Ovenable corrugated paper container

ABSTRACT

An ovenable paper container containing an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. The ovenable paper container can be used to heat and/or cook food and then be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/628,158 filed Sep. 27, 2012, which in turn is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/696,398 filed Jan. 29, 2010 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,304,004; granted Nov. 6, 2012), which is in turn acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/215,421filed Aug. 30, 2005, now abandoned, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/120,996filed Apr. 11, 2002, now abandoned, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject invention generally relates to a paper container suitablefor use in an oven, more particularly to a paper container that includesone or more layers of corrugated paper that is suitable for use in anoven, and even more particularly to a paper container that includes oneor more layers of corrugated paper that is thermoformed with one or moreother types of paper material so that the thermoformed container can beused in an oven. In particular, the subject invention relates to acooking and serving paper container and methods of making and using thepaper container, which paper container includes one or more layers ofthermoformed corrugated paper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many foods are prepared in an oven. Most often, such foods are placedon/in a metal baking container or a glass-baking container. Since metaland glass baking containers become extremely hot during the bakingprocess, it is dangerous to use the metal or glass-baking container as aserving container immediately after removal from an oven. This is due tothe threat of a burn injury if flesh comes in contact with the extremelyhot metal or glass-baking container. Transferring food from a hot bakingcontainer to a temperate serving container can be cumbersome,particularly in a restaurant environment where food preparation andhandling activities are mitigated to maximize delivery volume. Inaddition, when food has to be transferred from one container to anothercontainer, damage to the food product can occur which can result inwasted food. Furthermore, the temperature of the food can be adverselyaffected when transferred to a hot container to a much cooler container.Also, metal and glass containers are relatively heavy and expensive,burdensome to store, and costly to keep clean. Another difficulty withmetal containers and some types of glass containers is that they cannotbe used in microwave oven cooking.

There is a growing market demand for disposable paperboard containersfor use in baking applications with food products. However, many foodsare difficult to successfully package because they have a tendency tostick to the paperboard when baked. This is especially true for foodproducts containing higher levels of sugar. As sugar caramelizes uponheating, adherence to paperboard is particularly problematic. Inaddition, paper containers can be susceptible to igniting when cooking,thus damaging the container, potentially damaging the food in thecontainer, and also potentially damaging the oven wherein the food isbeing cooked. In view of the current problems with ovenable papercontainers, there is a need for a paper container that can be used tocook food in an oven that inhibits or prevents the food from sticking tothe surface of the paper container during and after the cooking process,and which can be handled by a consumer shortly after being removed forman oven without concern of causing burns to the consumer when handlingthe paper container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides an ovenable paper container that includesone or more layers of corrugated paper and which paper container issuitable for baking food products and for immediately serving the foodproduct without transferring the food product to a serving plate. Due toinsulation properties of the paper container, the ovenable papercontainer that has been used to cook food may be immediately used as aserving container for the cooked food without the danger of causingburns to those who handle the paper container.

One non-limiting aspect of the invention relates to an ovenable papercontainer that includes an inner liner, an outer liner and anintermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner andouter liner. The inner liner includes an upper and lower surface. Theinner liner typically is fully or partially formed of a paper substrate.The paper substrate used in the inner liner is generally not acorrugated paper material; however, the inner liner can includecorrugated paper. The inner liner generally includes a single layer of apaper substrate; however, the inner liner can include more than onelayer of paper substrate. When two or more layers of paper substrate areused to form the inner liner, the layers of paper substrate may beformed of the same or different material and may or may not becorrugated paper layers. When the inner liner is formed of a singlelayer of paper substrate, the upper surface of the single layer of paperis generally formed of a single piece of material so that the uppersurface is a seamless surface; however, this is not required. When theinner layer is formed of two or more layers of paper substrate, the toplayer of the paper substrate has an upper surface that is generallyformed of a single piece of material so that the upper surface is aseamless surface; however, this is not required. The seamless uppersurface, when formed, forms a more uniform surface that is believed toresult in more uniform cooking of foods that are placed in the papercontainer. The outer liner includes an upper and lower surface. Theouter liner typically is partially or fully formed of a paper substrate.The paper substrate used in the outer liner is generally not acorrugated paper material; however, the outer liner can includecorrugated paper. The outer liner generally includes a single layer of apaper substrate; however, the outer liner can include more than onelayer of paper substrate. When two of more layers of paper substrate areused to form the outer liner, the layers of paper substrate may beformed of the same or different material and may or may not becorrugated paper layers. When the outer liner is formed of a singlelayer of paper substrate, the bottom surface of the single layer ofpaper is generally formed of a single piece of material so that thebottom surface is a seamless surface; however, this is not required.When the outer layer is formed of two or more layers of paper substrate,the bottom layer of paper substrate has a bottom surface that isgenerally formed of a single piece of material so that the bottomsurface is a seamless surface; however, this is not required. Theseamless bottom surface, when formed, forms a more uniform surface thatis believed to result in better uniform cooking of foods that are placedin the paper container. In addition, the seamless bottom surface, whenformed, is believed to better inhibit or prevent liquids in or from thefood from leaking through the outer layer of the container 1) during theheating or cooking of food in the container, 2) prior to the heating orcooking of the food in the container, and/or 3) after the heating orcooking of the food in the container. The paper substrate composition ofthe inner and outer liners can the same or different. The thicknesses ofthe inner and outer liners can also be the same or different. The one ormore layers of corrugated paper are positioned between the upper surfaceof the outer liner and the lower surface of the inner liner. When two ormore layers of corrugated paper are used, one or more layers ofnon-corrugated paper can be positioned between two layers of corrugatedpaper; however, this is not required. Generally, an upper surface of alayer of corrugated paper is connected to the lower surface of the innerliner. Generally, the connection is formed by an adhesive; however,other or additional connection arrangements can be used (e.g., crimping,melted seam, compression bonding, melted polymeric coating, etc.). Alsoa lower surface of a layer of corrugated paper is connected to the uppersurface of the outer liner. Generally, the connection is formed by anadhesive; however, other or additional connection arrangements can beused (e.g., crimping, melted seam, compression bonding, melted polymericcoating, etc.). When the paper container includes only a single layer ofcorrugated paper, the upper surface of the single layer of corrugatedpaper is generally connected to the lower surface of the inner liner andthe lower surface of the single layer of corrugated paper is generallyconnected to the upper surface of the outer liner.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, theovenable paper container can include a polymeric coating on one or moresurfaces of the inner liner. Generally the polymeric coating is locatedof the upper surface of the inner liner or on a food product side of theinner liner. A polymeric coating can also be applied to the lowersurface of the outer liner. When a polymeric coating is present on theupper surface of the inner liner, the polymeric coating can be used toinhibit or prevent food from sticking to the inner liner when the foodis heated on the inner liner; however, this is not required. Thepolymeric coating, when present in the upper surface of the inner liner,can also or alternatively be used to inhibit or prevent liquids on orfrom the food in the container to be absorbed by the paper substrate ofthe inner liner prior to, during and/or after the heating or cooking offood in the container; however, this is not required. The polymericcoating, when present in the upper surface of the inner liner, can alsoor alternatively be used to increase the strength and integrity of theinner liner and/or inhibit or prevent the deformation of the inner linerprior to, during and/or after the heating or cooking of food in thecontainer; however, this is not required. The polymeric coating, whenpresent in the upper surface of the inner liner, can also oralternatively be used to inhibit or prevent burn and/or other types ofheat damage to the inner liner during the heating and/or cooking offoods in the paper container.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the paper container is designed to heat or cook foods in oventemperatures that reach temperatures as high as at least about 200° F.and to resist burning, charring and/or delamination of one or more ofthe layers of the paper container during the heating or cooking of thefood in the container. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention,the paper container is designed to heat or cook foods in temperatures ofabout 200° F.-600° F. and to resist burning, charring and/ordelaminating one or more layers of the paper container during theheating or cooking of the food in the container. In another non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the paper container is designed to heat orcook foods in temperatures of about 250° F.-550° F. and to resistburning, charring and/or delamination of one or more layers of the papercontainer during the heating or cooking of the food in the container. Instill another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the papercontainer is designed to heat or cook foods in temperatures of about275° F.-500° F. and to resist burning, charring and/or delamination ofone or more layers of the paper container during the heating or cookingof the food in the container. In still another non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the paper container is designed to heat or cook foodsin temperatures of about 300° F.-500° F. and to resist burning, charringand/or delamination of one or more layers of the paper container duringthe heating or cooking of the food in the container.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,the weight of the inner liner, outer linter and corrugated paper layerare selected to ensure the integrity of the paper container prior to,during and after the heating and cooking of food in the paper container.In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the weight of the innerliner is generally at least about 10 pounds per thousand square feet. Inone non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight of the innerliner is up to about 250 pounds per thousand square feet. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of theinner liner is at least about 25 pounds per thousand square feet. Instill another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,weight of the inner liner is about 25-200 pounds per thousand squarefeet. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, weight of the inner liner is about 25-150 pounds perthousand square feet. In still yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the inner liner isabout 30-140 pounds per thousand square feet. In a further and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the innerliner is about 35-125 pounds per thousand square feet. In still afurther and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,weight of the inner liner is about 40-120 pounds per thousand squarefeet. In yet a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, weight of the inner liner is about 50-100 pounds perthousand square feet. In still yet a further and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the inner liner isequal to or greater than the weight of the outer liner. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of theinner liner is equal to or greater than the weight of the intermediateor corrugated paper layer. In another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the weight of the outer liner is generallyat least about 1 pounds per thousand square feet. In one non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the weight of the outer liner is up to about200 pounds per thousand square feet. In another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the outer liner is atleast about 2 pounds per thousand square feet. In still another and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the outerliner is about 5-100 pounds per thousand square feet. In yet anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of theouter liner is about 5-85 pounds per thousand square feet. In still yetanother and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,weight of the outer liner is about 10-80 pounds per thousand squarefeet. In a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, weight of the outer liner is about 10-70 pounds per thousandsquare feet. In still a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspectof this embodiment, weight of the outer liner is about 12-60 pounds perthousand square feet. In yet a further and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, weight of the outer liner is about 15-50pounds per thousand square feet. In still yet a further and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the outerliner is equal to or less than the weight of the inner liner. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of theouter liner is equal to or less than the weight of the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer. In still another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the weight of the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer is generally at least about 1 pounds per thousandsquare feet. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weightof the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is up to about 200 poundsper thousand square feet. In another and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, weight of the intermediate or corrugatedpaper layer is at least about 3 pounds per thousand square feet. Instill another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,weight of the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is about 5-105pounds per thousand square feet. In yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer is about 5-85 pounds per thousand square feet. Instill yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, weight of the intermediate or corrugated paper layer isabout 10-80 pounds per thousand square feet. In a further and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, weight of theintermediate or corrugated paper layer is about 10-70 pounds perthousand square feet. In still a further and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, weight of the intermediate or corrugatedpaper layer is about 12-65 pounds per thousand square feet. In yet afurther and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,weight of the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is about 15-55pounds per thousand square feet. In yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the weight of the inner lineris greater that the weight of the outer liner. It has been found thatthe when the inner liner has a thickness that is greater than the outerliner, the cost of the paper container can be reduced along withreducing the incidence of delaminating and deformation of the papercontainer. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weightratio of the inner liner to the outer liner is about 1.01-100:1. Inanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio of theinner liner to the outer liner is about 1.05-50:1. In still anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio of the innerliner to the outer liner is about 1.1-20:1. In yet another non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio of the inner liner to theouter liner is about 1.15-10:1. In still yet another non-limiting aspectof this embodiment, the weight ratio of the inner liner to the outerliner is about 1.2-5:1. In a further non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the weight ratio of the inner liner to the outer liner isabout 1.3-3:1. In still a further non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the weight ratio of the inner liner to the outer liner isabout 1.3-2:1. In still yet another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the weight of the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer is less than the weight of the outer liner. Inone non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio of outerliner to the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is about 1.01-50:1.In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio ofthe outer liner to the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is about1.01-20:1. In still another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, theweight ratio of the outer liner to the intermediate or corrugated paperlayer is about 1.05-5:1. In yet another non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the weight ratio of outer liner to the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer is about 1.05-2:1. In still yet anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the weight ratio of outer linerto the intermediate or corrugated paper layer is about 1.2-2:1.

In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the upper surface of the inner liner includes one or moreopenings that are designed to allow liquids (e.g., water, oil. etc.) toat least partially drain from the upper surface of the inner liner andbecome trapped between the inner and outer liners. During the cooking offoods that include a bottom dough layer (e.g., pizza crust, pie crust,pot pie crust, bread, cakes, rolls, muffins, pastries, cookies,cupcakes, etc.), it is difficult to obtain the desired browning anddryness of the dough product on the base of the cooked dough productwhen not using metal containers. Various prior art plastic and papercontainers have attempted to address this problem by including coatingsthat form a hotter surface during the cooking process. However, the oilsused to grease the inner container surface and/or the moisture containedin the dough product can continue to interfere with the desired browningof the bottom of the dough, especially when the dough product is cookedin a non-metal container. For instance, it is not uncommon for the uppersurface of a pizza pan to be pre-greased with up to about an ounce ortwo of cooking oil and the pizza dough can contain about 20-50 percentby weight liquid (e.g., water, oil, honey, etc.) prior to the cooking ofthe pizza. Furthermore, pizza toppings such as the pizza sauce, cheese,meat (e.g., sausage, pepperoni, ham, etc.), fruits (e.g., pineapple,tomatoes, etc.) and vegetables (e.g., onion, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)also can contain significant amounts of fluid (e.g., water, oil, etc.)that can be released from such ingredients during the cooking of thepizza. The inclusion of one or more openings in the upper surface of theinner liner allows liquids (e.g., water, oil, etc.) to at leastpartially drain from the upper surface of the inner liner and thereby beat least partially removed from contact with the bottom surface of thefood product during the heating and/or cooking of the food product inthe paper container. As a result, the bottom surface of the foodproduct, especially food products that have a dough bottom surface, arebetter able to brown during the cooking of the food in the papercontainer. The shape of the openings is non-limiting (e.g., oval,circular, polygonal, elongated O-shaped, etc.). The shape of theopenings can be the same or different on the upper surface of the innerliner. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the uppersurface of the inner liner includes a plurality of openings. Theplurality of openings can be uniformly or non-uniformly positioned onthe upper surface of the inner liner. If the inner liner includes a rim,the rim may or may not include one or more of the openings. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the sizeand/or spacing of the openings is generally controlled so as to avoidadversely compromising the strength and/or integrity of the inner liner;however, the openings need to be large enough and present in sufficientquantities to enable liquid to flow through the openings in sufficientquantities to improve the cooking and/or browning of the food on theupper surface of the inner liner. In one non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the average cross-sectional area of the openings is at leastabout 0.001 in². In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect ofthis embodiment, the average cross-sectional area of the openings is upto about 0.2 in². In still another and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the average cross-sectional area of theopenings is at least about 0.0015 in². In yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the average cross-sectional areaof the openings is about 0.0015-0.1 in². In yet another and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the averagecross-sectional area of the openings is about 0.002-0.06 in². In stillyet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,the average cross-sectional area of the openings is about 0.002-0.03in². In a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the average cross-sectional area of the openings is about0.002-0.02 in². In still a further and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the average cross-sectional area of theopenings is about 0.005-0.015 in². In another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the average spacing of theopenings from one another is at least about 0.01 in. In still anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the averagespacing of the openings from one another is up to about 2 in. In yetanother and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, theaverage spacing of the openings from one another is at least about 0.03in. In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the average spacing of the openings from one another isabout 0.03-1 in. In a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect ofthis embodiment, the average spacing of the openings from one another isabout 0.04-0.5 in. In still a further and/or alternative non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the average spacing of the openings from oneanother is about 0.1-0.4 in. In yet a further and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the average spacing of theopenings from one another is about 0.1875-0.375 in. In still anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theopenings in the inner liner constitute at least about 0.1% of the uppersurface of the inner liner. In one non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the openings in the inner liner constitute up to about 40%of the upper surface of the inner liner. In another non-limiting aspectof this embodiment, the openings in the inner liner constitute about0.25-35% of the upper surface of the inner liner. In still anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the openings in the inner linerconstitute about 0.5-30% of the upper surface of the inner liner. In yetanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the openings in theinner liner constitute about 1-25% of the upper surface of the innerliner. In still yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, theopenings in the inner liner constitute about 1-20% of the upper surfaceof the inner liner. In still another and/or alternative non-limitingembodiment of the invention, a majority or all of the one or moreopenings do not fully penetrate the outer liner. In this design of thepaper container, most or all of the liquid that passes through one ormore openings in the inner liner become trapped between the inner linerand the outer liner. As a result, undesirable liquids (e.g., oil,grease, etc.) do not accumulate on or drip from the lower surface of theouter liner. Consequently, little, if any, liquid is present on thelower surface of the outer liner, thus the handling of the papercontainer after the food is heated or cooked does not cause a mess orburns, and/or does not cause a mess when the container is placed onanother surface. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, over 60percent of the openings in the upper surface of the inner liner do notfully penetrate the outer liner. In another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, over 75 percent of the openingsin the upper surface of the inner liner do not fully penetrate the outerliner. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, over 80 percent of the openings in the upper surface of theinner liner do not fully penetrate the outer liner. In yet anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, over 90percent of the openings in the upper surface of the inner liner do notfully penetrate the outer liner. In still yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, over 95 percent of the openingsin the upper surface of the inner liner do not fully penetrate the outerliner. In a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, about 100 percent of the openings in the upper surface ofthe inner liner do not fully penetrate the outer liner. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at leastabout 60 percent of the liquid that passes through one or more openingsin the upper surface of the inner liner does not fully pass through theouter liner. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect ofthis embodiment, at least about 75 percent of the liquid that passesthrough one or more openings in the upper surface of the inner linerdoes not fully pass through the outer liner. In yet another and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least about 80percent of the liquid that passes through one or more openings in theupper surface of the inner liner does not fully pass through the outerliner. In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect ofthis embodiment, at least about 85 percent of the liquid that passesthrough one or more openings in the upper surface of the inner linerdoes not fully pass through the outer liner. In a further and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least about 90percent of the liquid that passes through one or more openings in theupper surface of the inner liner does not fully pass through the outerliner. In still a further and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, at least about 95 percent of the liquid that passes throughone or more openings in the upper surface of the inner liner does notfully pass through the outer liner. In yet a further and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, all of the liquid that passesthrough one or more openings in the upper surface of the inner linerdoes not fully pass through the outer liner.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention, thepaper container includes a rim that extends upwardly from the uppersurface of the inner liner. The rim generally forms all or at least amajority of the outer peripheral side of the container. The angle thatis formed between the upper surface of the inner liner and inner surfaceof the rim is non-limiting. The height at which the rim extends upwardlyfrom the upper surface of the inner rim is also non-limiting. Generally,there is no seam between the upper surface of the inner liner and therim; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodiment ofthe invention, the paper container is formed so that there is no seambetween the upper surface of the inner liner and the rim. The absence ofa seam between the upper surface of the inner liner and the rim reducesor prevents liquids for seeping through a seam and to the outer surfaceof the rim or lower surface of the outer liner. The forming of the papercontainer without a seam between the upper surface of the inner linerand the rim can be accomplished by forming a portion of the inner linerinto the rim. As such, when the upper surface of the inner liner, priorto forming, is absent a seam, the subsequent forming of the inner linerto create a rim results in a seamless transition between the uppersurface of the formed inner liner and the formed rim. As can beappreciated, the rim can also be at least partially made of a formedportion of the intermediate or corrugated paper layer and/or a formedportion of the outer liner; however, this is not required. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the rimextends at least about 0.1 inch above the upper surface of the innerliner. In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the rim extends upto about 5 inches above the upper surface of the inner liner. In anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the rimextends about 0.2 to 3 inches above the upper surface of the innerliner. In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, the rim extends about 0.25 to 2 inches above the uppersurface of the inner liner. In yet another and/or alternativenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the rim extends about 0.5 to 1.5inches above the upper surface of the inner liner. In still anotherand/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the anglebetween the upper surface of the inner liner and at least a portion ofthe inner surface of the rim is about 5°-120°. In one non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, the angle between the upper surface of theinner liner and at least a portion of the inner surface of the rim isabout 10°-90°. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, theangle between the upper surface of the inner liner and at least aportion of the inner surface of the rim is about 25°-90°. In stillanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the angle between theupper surface of the inner liner and at least a portion of the innersurface of the rim is about 45°-90°. In still yet another and/oralternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the outer edge ofthe rim is rolled. Typically, the rim, when rolled, is rolled outwardlyfrom the interior of the paper container; however, this is not required.The rolled rim has been found to facilitate in maintaining the integrityof the paper container and to reduce the incidence of delamination ofone or more layers of the paper container during the heating or cookingof food. The rolled rim, when rolled outwardly, can also facilitate inthe handling of the paper container and/or be used to connect to a lidwhen a lid is used; however, this is not required. In still anotherand/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the present invention, two ormore of the layers of the paper container are at least partially heldtogether by an adhesive. The same or different types of adhesives can beused in the container. When more than one type of adhesive is used, thedifferent types of adhesive can be used in the same or differinglocations on the paper container. As defined herein, an adhesive is nota polymeric material. A polymeric material can perform a bondingfunction when the polymeric material is heated to or above its softeningor melting point to cause the plastic or polymeric material to bond toone or more paper substrates in the inner liner, outer liner and/orcorrugated layer. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theone or more layers of corrugated paper layers are primarily secured tothe inner liner and/or outer liner by an adhesive. In some prior artcontainers, the container includes a polymeric layer embedded betweentwo or more layers of paper. In some other prior art containers, a layerof polymeric material encapsulates one or more paper layers. Inaddition, some other prior art containers have a polymeric layer that isboth embedded between two or more layers of paper and encapsulates oneor more paper layers. In all of these prior art containers, thepolymeric layer is used as the principal component of the container tomaintain the shape of the container and to bind the multiple paperlayers together. The paper container of the present invention deviatesfrom these past paper containing containers in that the paper containerof the present invention may include a polymeric layer; however, thepolymeric layer, if used, is not used as the principal agent to bond thelayers of the paper container together. Generally, when the papercontainer of the present invention includes a polymeric coating, suchpolymeric coating is a thin layer coating positioned in the uppersurface of the inner liner that is principally used to inhibit orprevent food from sticking to the upper surface of the inner liner. Instill another and/or alternative non-limiting embodiment of the presentinvention, the type of adhesive used in the paper container of thepresent invention is non-limiting. The adhesive can be a biodegradableand/or non-biodegradable adhesive. One non-limiting type of adhesivethat can be used is a natural adhesive. Natural adhesives, when used,are commonly made from inorganic mineral sources, or biological sourcessuch as vegetable matter, starch and/or modified starch (e.g., dextrin,etc.), natural resins, animals (e.g., casein, animal glue, etc.), orblood albumen (made from protein component of blood). Another type ofadhesive that can be used is a synthetic adhesive. Non-limiting examplesof synthetic adhesives include anaerobic adhesives (e.g., syntheticacrylic resins, etc.), cyanoacrylate adhesives (e.g., acrylic resin,etc.), toughened acrylic adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyurethaneadhesives, silicone adhesives, phenolics adhesives, polyimide adhesives,hot melt adhesives (e.g., thermoplastic materials, etc.), plastisoladhesives (e.g., modified PVC dispersions), rubber adhesives, polyvinylAcetate (PVA's) adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and varioustypes of elastomers and emulsions. Adhesives that include polymericmaterials can also or alternatively be used. For purposes of the presentinvention, the above identified adhesives are considered adhesives andnot polymeric material for the present invention. For purposes of thisinvention, the following polymeric materials are not consideredadhesives, namely rubber, synthetic rubber, bakelite, neoprene, nylon,PVC, PET, PMP, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyacrylonitrile, PVB, and silicone. In another non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the adhesive can include polymeric material. Whenpolymeric material is included in the adhesive, the content of polymericmaterial is generally no more than about 90 weight percent of theadhesive material, typically no more than about 75 weight percent of theadhesive material, more typically no more than about 60 weight percentof the adhesive material, still even more typically no more than about50 weight percent of the adhesive material, and still even moretypically no more than about 40 weight percent of the adhesive material.In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the adhesive includes astarch and/or synthetic starch. In one non-limiting configuration of thepaper container, starch and/or synthetic starch are the primary andprinciple adhesives used in the paper container. In another and/oralternative non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the adhesive that isused in the paper container is at least partially included in the paperthat at least partially forms the inner liner, the outer liner and/orthe one or more intermediate or corrugated paper layers; however, thisis not required. As can be appreciated, all or a portion of the adhesivecan be included in the paper that at least partially forms the innerliner, the outer liner and/or the one or more corrugated paper layers.In one non-limiting aspect of the invention, at least about 5% of theadhesive used in the paper container is included in the paper that formsthe inner liner, the outer liner and/or the one or more intermediate orcorrugated paper layers. In another non-limiting aspect of theinvention, at least about 10% of the adhesive used in the papercontainer is included in the paper that forms the inner liner, the outerliner and/or the one or more intermediate or corrugated paper layers. Instill another non-limiting aspect of the invention, at least about 25%of the adhesive used in the paper container is included in the paperthat forms the inner liner, the outer liner and/or the one or moreintermediate or corrugated paper layers. In yet another non-limitingaspect of the invention, at least about 50% of the adhesive used in thepaper container is included in the paper that forms the inner liner, theouter liner and/or the one or more intermediate or corrugated paperlayers. In still yet another non-limiting aspect of the invention, atleast about 75% of the adhesive used in the paper container is includedin the paper that forms the inner liner, the outer liner and/or the oneor more intermediate or corrugated paper layers. In another non-limitingaspect of the invention, at least about 90% of the adhesive used in thepaper container is included in the paper that forms the inner liner, theouter liner and/or the one or more intermediate or corrugated paperlayers. In still another non-limiting aspect of the invention, at leastabout 95% of the adhesive used in the paper container is included in thepaper that forms the inner liner, the outer liner and/or the one or moreintermediate or corrugated paper layers. In yet another non-limitingaspect of the invention, about 100% of the adhesive used in the papercontainer is included in the paper that forms the inner liner, the outerliner and/or the one or more intermediate or corrugated paper layers.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the paper container does not include a polymeric layer thatencapsulates one or more of the paper layers of the paper container. Assuch, the paper container of this embodiment of the invention isdesigned to include less polymeric material than past paper containers,thereby making the paper container more environmentally friendly.

In still yet another and/or additional non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the paper container does not include a polymericlayer that is positioned between two or more paper layers of the papercontainer. As such, the paper container of this embodiment of theinvention is designed to include less polymeric material than past papercontainers, thereby making the paper container more environmentallyfriendly.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the presentinvention, the inner liner of the paper container includes a polymericlayer on the upper surface of the inner liner. In one non-limitingembodiment, the polymeric layer, when used, is only coated on the uppersurface of the inner liner and optionally on the inner surface of a rim,when a rim formed. In this non-limiting embodiment, the polymeric layeris not used to bind the majority of inner and outer liners together orto bind a majority of the one or more intermediate or corrugated paperlayers to the inner liner and/or outer liner. Although the papercontainer of the present invention is generally designed to only includeone or more polymeric coatings on the upper surface of the inner linerand/or optionally on the inner surface of a rim when a rim is formed onthe container, it will be appreciated that the container can include oneor more polymeric coatings between two or more layers of the container(i.e., between the inner and outer liners, etc.) and/or positioned onthe lower surface of the outer liner and/or optionally on the outersurface of a rim when a rim is formed on the container. In onenon-limiting configuration, a polymeric coating can be included in thelower surface of the outer liner so as to facilitate in the printing ofmaterial (e.g., advertisements, directions, etc.) on the lower surfaceof the outer liner; however, this is not required. Non-limiting examplesof polymeric coatings that can be used on the upper surface of the innerliner include one or more polymers such as polymethylpentene (PMP),styrene-acrylic latex copolymers, polyesters such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyolefins(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene-polypropylenecopolymers, and polybutylene), polyimides, polyamides, urethanes,silicones, polysulfones, and/or the like. Optionally, the polymericcoating also can include one or more adjuvants/additives/layers toimprove the physical and/or mechanical properties of the inner liner ofthe paper container. These polymeric materials are not consideredadhesives for purposes of the present invention. When one or morepolymeric coatings are included on the paper container, the thickness ofthe polymeric coating is generally less than the thickness of the papersubstrate used in the inner liner; however, this is not required. In onenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, the coating weight of one ormore of the polymeric coatings used in/on the paper container, if suchpolymeric coatings are used, is at least about 0.05 P/MSF (pounds perthousand square feet). In one non-limiting aspect of this embodiment,the coating weight of one or more of the polymeric coatings used in/onthe paper container, if such polymeric coatings are used, is up to about40 P/MSF. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the coatingweight of one or more of the polymeric coatings used in/on the papercontainer, if such polymeric coatings are used, is about 0.1-30 P/MSF.In still another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the coatingweight of one or more of the polymeric coatings used in/on the papercontainer, if such polymeric coatings are used, is about 0.1-20 P/MSF.In yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the coatingweight of one or more of the polymeric coatings used in/on the papercontainer, if such polymeric coatings are used, is about 0.5-20 P/MSF.In still yet another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the coatingweight of one or more of the polymeric coatings used in/on the papercontainer, if such polymeric coatings are used, is about 1-15 P/MSF. Inanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the coating weight ofone or more of the polymeric coatings used in/on the paper container, ifsuch polymeric coatings are used, is about 2-12 P/MSF.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, the paper container can include one or more heat enhancingcomponents to facilitate in the heating or cooking of food in the papercontainer; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the polymeric material that is included on the uppersurface of the inner liner includes metal particles that are used toincrease heat conductance and/or surface temperature between the innerliner and the food located on the upper surface of the inner liner. Ascan be appreciated, one or more polymeric coatings that include metalparticles can be coated on other or additional portions of the papercontainer. The pattern of the metal particles can be uniform ornon-uniform in the polymeric material. In another non-limitingembodiment of the invention, the container can include one or more metallayers and/or coatings that are used to increase heat conductance and/orsurface temperature between the inner liner and the food located on theupper surface of the inner liner. The one or more metal layers can beincluded on the inner liner, outer liner and/or corrugated paper layer.

In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,the upper surface of the inner liner can include one or more non-smoothsurfaces (e.g., ribs, mounds, divots, indentions, etc.); however, thisis not required. These one or more non-smooth surfaces can be used to a)facilitate in cooking and/or browning the bottom surface of a food inthe paper container, b) enable separation of the food in the papercontainer from liquid that collects on the upper surface of the innerliner during the heating or cooking of food in the paper container so asto reduce sogginess of the food, improve the cooking of the food and/orimprove the browning of the food, c) facilitate in directing liquid onthe upper surface of the inner liner into the one or more openings inthe inner liner, when such openings exist, so as to remove or reduceliquid contact with the food in the paper container during the heatingor cooking of the food, d) increase the strength and/or rigidity of theinner liner, e) create a convection heating effect on the bottom surfaceof a food in the paper container during the heating or cooking of thefood, and/or f) increase the rate of cooling of the inner and/or outerliner after the food is removed from an oven and/or the like so that theouter liner can be more quickly handled by a user. When the uppersurface of the inner liner includes a plurality of non-smooth surfaces,the distribution or density of the non-smooth surface on the uppersurface of the inner liner can be uniform or non-uniform. In onenon-limiting embodiment of the invention, at least about 1% of the uppersurface of the inner liner includes one or more non-smooth surfaces. Inone non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least about 5% of theupper surface of the inner liner includes one or more non-smoothsurfaces. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at leastabout 10% of the upper surface of the inner liner includes one or morenon-smooth surfaces. In still another non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, at least about 20% of the upper surface of the inner linerincludes one or more non-smooth surfaces. In yet another non-limitingaspect of this embodiment, at least about 25% of the upper surface ofthe inner liner includes one or more non-smooth surfaces. In still yetanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at least about 30% ofthe upper surface of the inner liner includes one or more non-smoothsurfaces. In another non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, at leastabout 40% of the upper surface of the inner liner includes one or morenon-smooth surfaces. In still another non-limiting aspect of thisembodiment, a majority of the upper surface of the inner liner includesone or more non-smooth surfaces. In yet another non-limiting aspect ofthis embodiment, up to 95% of the upper surface of the inner linerincludes one or more non-smooth surfaces. In still yet anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, up to 90% of the upper surfaceof the inner liner includes one or more non-smooth surfaces. In anothernon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, up to 80% of the upper surfaceof the inner liner includes one or more non-smooth surfaces. In stillanother non-limiting aspect of this embodiment, up to 75% of the uppersurface of the inner liner includes one or more non-smooth surfaces. Instill yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of theinvention, there is provided a method of making an ovenable papercontainer. The method includes the step of forming one or more layers ofthe paper container by the use of heat and pressure. In one non-limitingembodiment of the invention, one or more layers of the paper containerare at least partially formed into the paper container of the presentinvention by compressing the one or more layers of the paper containerand applying heat and/or steam to the one or more layers at leastpartially while being compressed. In one non-limiting aspect of thepresent invention, the heat, during the forming process, can bepartially or fully supplied by the steam, when steam is used during theforming process. In another and/or alternative non-limiting embodimentof the invention, the one or more corrugated layers of the papercontainer that are positioned between the inner liner and the outerliner are not uniformly compressed during the forming of the container.The non-uniform compression of the one or more corrugated paper layershas been found to result in a paper container that resists deformationand delamination during the heating and the cooking of foods, providesthe desired heat insulating features of the paper container when thepaper container is removed from an oven, and/or results in the desiredheating and cooking of the food in the paper container. In onenon-limiting aspect of this embodiment, the paper container includes arim and the transition region between the rim and the bottom of thepaper container is compressed more that the bottom of the papercontainer. The transition region is the region between the generallyflat upper surface of the inner liner and the generally flat surface ofthe inner wall surface of the rim. The transition region is generally acurved region; however, this is not required. In one non-limitingdesign, the one or more corrugated paper layers in this transitionregion and/or rim are crushed during the forming process such that over40 percent of the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers havebeen crushed to less than 60 percent of the original height of theflutes, more typically to less than about 50 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, more typically less than about 40 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, and even more typically to less thanabout 30 percent of the original height of the flutes, and still evenmore typically to less than about 25 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, and still yet even more typically to less than about 20percent of the original height of the flutes, and further even moretypically to less than about 10 percent of the original height of theflutes, and still further even more typically to less than about 5percent of the original height of the flutes. Generally the height ofthe flutes of the one or more layers of corrugated paper have an averageheight of about 1-8 mm prior to being subjected to compressive forces inthe paper container forming process. In another and/or alternativenon-limiting design, the one or more corrugated paper layers in thistransition region and/or rim are crushed during the forming process suchthat over 50 percent of the flutes of the one or more corrugated paperlayers have been crushed to less than 60 percent of the original heightof the flutes, more typically to less than about 50 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, more typically less than about 40 percentof the original height of the flutes, and even more typically to lessthan about 30 percent of the original height of the flutes, and stilleven more typically to less than about 25 percent of the original heightof the flutes, and still yet even more typically to less than about 20percent of the original height of the flutes, and further even moretypically to less than about 10 percent of the original height of theflutes, and still further even more typically to less than about 5percent of the original height of the flutes. In still another and/oralternative non-limiting design, the one or more corrugated paper layersin this transition region and/or rim are crushed during the formingprocess such that over 60 percent of the flutes of the one or morecorrugated paper layers have been crushed to less than 60 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, more typically to less than about 50percent of the original height of the flutes, more typically less thanabout 40 percent of the original height of the flutes, and even moretypically to less than about 30 percent of the original height of theflutes, and still even more typically to less than about 25 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and still yet even more typically toless than about 20 percent of the original height of the flutes, andfurther even more typically to less than about 10 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, and still further even more typically toless than about 5 percent of the original height of the flutes. In yetanother and/or alternative non-limiting design, the one or morecorrugated paper layers in this transition region and/or rim are crushedduring the forming process such that over 75 percent of the flutes ofthe one or more corrugated paper layers have been crushed to less than60 percent of the original height of the flutes, more typically to lessthan about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, moretypically less than about 40 percent of the original height of theflutes, and even more typically to less than about 30 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, and still even more typically to lessthan about 25 percent of the original height of the flutes, and stillyet even more typically to less than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, and further even more typically to less than about10 percent of the original height of the flutes, and still further evenmore typically to less than about 5 percent of the original height ofthe flutes. In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, theone or more corrugated paper layers in this transition region and/or rimare crushed during the forming process such that over 80 percent of theflutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers have been crushed toless than 60 percent of the original height of the flutes, moretypically to less than about 50 percent of the original height of theflutes, more typically less than about 40 percent of the original heightof the flutes, and even more typically to less than about 30 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and still even more typically to lessthan about 25 percent of the original height of the flutes, and stillyet even more typically to less than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, and further even more typically to less than about10 percent of the original height of the flutes, and still further evenmore typically to less than about percent of the original height of theflutes. In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting design, theone or more corrugated paper layers in this transition region and/or rimare crushed during the forming process such that over 90 percent of theflutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers have been crushed toless than 60 percent of the original height of the flutes, moretypically to less than about 50 percent of the original height of theflutes, more typically less than about 40 percent of the original heightof the flutes, and even more typically to less than about 30 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and still even more typically to lessthan about 25 percent of the original height of the flutes, and stillyet even more typically to less than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, and further even more typically to less than about10 percent of the original height of the flutes, and still further evenmore typically to less than about 5 percent of the original height ofthe flutes. In a further and/or alternative non-limiting design, the oneor more corrugated paper layers in this transition region and/or rim arecrushed during the forming process such that over 95 percent of theflutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers have been crushed toless than 60 percent of the original height of the flutes, moretypically to less than about 50 percent of the original height of theflutes, more typically less than about 40 percent of the original heightof the flutes, and even more typically to less than about 30 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and still even more typically to lessthan about 25 percent of the original height of the flutes, and stillyet even more typically to less than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, and further even more typically to less than about10 percent of the original height of the flutes, and still further evenmore typically to less than about 5 percent of the original height ofthe flutes. In another and/or alternative aspect of this design, all orpart of the rim of the formed paper that is located above the transitionregion is also compressed. The amount of compression of the rim can beless than, the same as or greater than the amount of compression at thetransition region. In one non-limiting design, the average height ratioof the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers in thetransition region and/or rim to the flutes in the other regions of thecontainer is about 0.001-0.95:1. In another non-limiting design, theaverage height ratio of the flutes of the one or more corrugated paperlayers in the transition region and/or rim to the flutes in the otherregions of the container is about 0.001-0.9:1. In still anothernon-limiting design, the average height ratio of the flutes of the oneor more corrugated paper layers in the transition region and/or rim tothe flutes in the other regions of the container is about 0.001-0.8:1.In another non-limiting design, the average height ratio of the flutesof the one or more corrugated paper layers in the transition regionand/or rim to the flutes in the other regions of the container is about0.001-0.7:1. In another non-limiting design, the average height ratio ofthe flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers in the transitionregion and/or rim to the flutes in the other regions of the container isabout 0.001-0.6:1. Generally, the average height is at least about 30percent of the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers inregions of the paper container other than the transition region and/orrim after the forming process is no more than about 20 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, typically no more than about 30 percentof the original height of the flutes, more typically no more than about40 percent of the original height of the flutes, still more typically nomore than about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, yetmore typically no more than about 60 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, still yet more typically no more than about 70 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and even more typically no more thanabout 80 percent of the original height of the flutes. In anothernon-limiting configuration, the average height at least about 40 percentof the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers in regions ofthe paper container other than the transition region and/or rim afterthe forming process is no more than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, typically no more than about 30 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, more typically no more than about 40percent of the original height of the flutes, still more typically nomore than about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, yetmore typically no more than about 60 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, still yet more typically no more than about 70 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and even more typically no more thanabout 80 percent of the original height of the flutes. In still anothernon-limiting configuration, the average height at least about 50 percentof the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers in regions ofthe paper container other than the transition region and/or rim afterthe forming process is no more than about 20 percent of the originalheight of the flutes, typically no more than about 30 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, more typically no more than about 40percent of the originally height of the flutes, still more typically nomore than about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, yetmore typically no more than about 60 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, still yet more typically no more than about 70 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and even more typically no more thanabout 80 percent of the original height of the flutes. In yet anothernon-limiting configuration, the average height at least about 60 percentof the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers in regions ofthe paper container other than the transition region and/or rim afterthe forming process is no more than about 20 percent of the originallyheight of the flutes, typically no more than about 30 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, more typically no more than about 40percent of the original height of the flutes, still more typically nomore than about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, yetmore typically no more than about 60 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, still yet more typically no more than about 70 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and even more typically no more thanabout 80 percent of the original height of the flutes. In still yetanother non-limiting configuration, the average height at least about 70percent of the flutes of the one or more corrugated paper layers inregions of the paper container other than the transition region and/orrim after the forming process is no more than about 20 percent of theoriginal height of the flutes, typically no more than about 30 percentof the original height of the flutes, more typically no more than about40 percent of the original height of the flutes, still more typically nomore than about 50 percent of the original height of the flutes, yetmore typically no more than about 60 percent of the original height ofthe flutes, still yet more typically no more than about 70 percent ofthe original height of the flutes, and even more typically no more thanabout 80 percent of the original height of the flutes.

In another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the invention,there is provided a method for forming an ovenable paper containerincluding the steps of providing an inner liner containing a papersubstrate and optionally a polymeric coating on the upper surface of theinner liner, an outer liner containing a paper substrate, and anintermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the innerliner and the outer liner; die cutting the inner liner, outer liner andcorrugated paper layer into a shape; and forming the die cut shapes intothe ovenable paper container under mechanical pressure and optionallyheat and/or steam.

In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the inventionrelating to a method of using an ovenable paper container involvingcharging a food product into the ovenable paper container, and heatingthe ovenable paper container containing the food product in an oven.

It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide animproved ovenable paper container.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that can be used tocook and/or heat food in an oven and which enables a user to handle theovenable paper container immediately after or shortly after the ovenablepaper container has been removed from an oven.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that is athermoformed container.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that providesinsulation to the fingers or the hand of a user from the heated food inthe container thereby reducing discomfort and/or injury to the user.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that completelyor primarily uses an adhesive to connect the inner liner, outer linerand corrugated paper layer together.

It is a further and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that includes a rim.

It is still a further and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that hasincreased strength and/or durability and which resists delaminationduring the cooking and/or heating of food.

It is yet a further and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container wherein theintermediate or corrugated paper layer in the transition region and/orrim of the container is more compressed than in other regions of thecontainer.

It is still yet a further and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that has a bentor rolled rim.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that includes apolymeric coating on the upper surface of the inner liner.

It is still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that includesnon-smooth surfaces on the upper surface of the inner liner.

It is yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that includes one ormore openings in the upper surface of the inner liner.

It is still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of thepresent invention to provide an ovenable paper container that includesone or more openings in the upper surface of the inner liner and whichone or more of the openings does not fully penetrate the intermediate orcorrugated paper layer and/or outer liner.

It is another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the presentinvention to provide an ovenable paper container that includes a lid, orcan have a lid attached to the paper container so as to enclose foodwithin the paper container.

These and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon the reading and following of this description taken togetherwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate variousnon-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical formand in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an ovenable paper containerholding a food item in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ovenable papercontainer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional side view of an ovenable papercontainer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of another ovenablepaper container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the ovenable paper container ofFIG. 4 wherein the container layers are stacked on one another prior toa forming process;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of one non-limiting steam and heatforming apparatus that can be used to form the ovenable paper containerof FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the steam and heat forming apparatusof FIG. 6 and illustrates the forming of the ovenable paper container bythe apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ovenable papercontainer and illustrates the compression and bonding of the layers ofthe ovenable paper container from the forming process;

FIG. 9, is a cross-sectional side view of the ovenable paper containerof FIGS. 4-5 and illustrates a pizza in the ovenable paper containerbeing heated or cooked in an oven;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the ovenable paper containerof FIGS. 4-5 and illustrates a removable top or cover placed on theovenable paper container;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a portion of an ovenable paper container inaccordance with the present invention and illustrates a plurality ofopenings in the top surface of the ovenable paper container;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11; and,

FIG. 13 is a cross-section side view of an ovenable paper container andillustrates an embossed top surface of the ovenable paper container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only and notfor the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1-5 and 8-13 illustrate anovenable paper container 10 in accordance with the present invention.Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated an ovenable papercontainer 10 that is made from sheets of a corrugated paper composite.The corrugated paper composite contains at three layers; namely, a foodcontact layer or inner liner 20, an intermediate or corrugated layer 22,and an outer liner 24. The outer liner 24 may have a printable surface;however, this is not required. The corrugated paper composite maycontain additional layers; however, this is not required. Each of thethree layers of the corrugated paper composite typically contains one ormore layers of paper substrate. The inner liner 20 can have a polymericcoating on the upper surface of the inner liner, not shown; however,this is not required. The intermediate or corrugated layer 22 istypically formed of one or more layers of corrugated paper substratethat may or may not be treated The outer liner 24 can be y treated sothat it has a printable surface, not shown; however, this is notrequired. The inner liner, intermediate layer, and outer liner generallyare adhered to one another using an adhesive, not shown; however, it canbe appreciated that other or alternative arrangements can be use tosecure together one or more of the layers of the ovenable papercontainer 10.

The paper substrate that is used in one or more of the layers of theovenable paper container can be made of cellulosic materials. Examplesof cellulosic materials include, but are not limited to, Kraft paper,virgin Kraft paper, sulfite paper, recycled paper, and the like.Bleached or unbleached paper substrate may be employed. Paper substratesthat can be used in the ovenable paper container are available from anumber of sources including, but not limited to, Mead/WestvacoCorporation, Georgia Pacific, International Paper, Interstate,Caraustar, and the like.

The upper or top surface of the inner liner 20 of the ovenable papercontainer 10 is a food contact surface that can be used to support avariety of different foods 12 (e.g., pizzas, pies, pastries, etc.). Thisfood contact surface can include a polymeric coating, not shown, whichcontacts a food product 12 that is subsequently held within the ovenablepaper container 10. As can be appreciated, the polymeric coating, whenused, can be coated on other portions of the inner liner (e.g., bottomsurface, etc.) and/or on the outer liner and/or the corrugated layer;however, this is not required. The cellulosic material or papersubstrate for the inner liner 20 is generally of a weight/sizesufficient to support a polymeric coating and contain optional embossing30 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The cellulosic material or paper substratefor the inner liner 20 is selected to have good resistance toconventional and/or microwave oven heating, as well as to low levels ofcontaminants which may inhibit adhesion of the polymeric coating, whensuch coating is used.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner (with polymericcoating) has a weight of about 25-150 pounds per thousand square feet(P/MSF). In another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner (withpolymeric coating) has a weight of about 35-125 P/MSF. In yet anothernon-limiting arrangement, the inner liner (with polymeric coating) has aweight of about 50-100 P/MSF.

The polymeric coating of the inner liner 20 can be formulated tomitigate heat-induced warpage of the subsequently formed ovenable papercontainer; however, this is not required. The polymeric coatinggenerally is formulated to provide the ovenable paper container withfood release properties. Examples of polymeric coatings include, but arenot limited to, polymethylpentene (PMP), styrene-acrylic latexcopolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) andpolybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyolefins such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers, and polybutylene,polyimides, polyamides, urethanes, silicones, polysulfones, and thelike. Optionally, the polymeric coating also contains one or moreadjuvants/additives/layers for improving the physical and/or mechanicalproperties of the ovenable corrugated paper container.

The polymeric coating may be applied to a paperboard substrate in anysuitable manner. Examples include extrusion/coextrusion, spraying,pouring, dipping, immersing, molding, and the like.

The polymeric coating may be applied to a paperboard substrate viaextrusion optionally incorporating unique tie resins, oil and greasebarrier resin layers, and the like. The extrusion laminate is directlyapplied to the paperboard substrate via conventional extrusiontechniques at conventional extrusion coating temperatures. The polymericcoating layer can be extruded as a single layer, or part of amulti-layer coextrusion with a barrier layer which enhances the oil andgrease resistance of the coating; however, this is not required.Optionally binding the oil and grease barrier layer to the polymericlayer is a tie resin.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 is a paperboardbased laminate structure having a paperboard substrate and a PMP layerthereon. The PMP is extruded, brushed and/or spayed onto the paperboardsubstrate. The paperboard may be preheated or subject to coronadischarge treatment just prior to the coating process in order toimprove adhesion; however, this is not required. The paperboard may alsobe moistened prior to the coating process; however, this is notrequired.

In another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 is a paperboardbased structure having a paperboard substrate and a five layer polymericcoating thereon. The five layer polymeric coating is made up of a firstlayer of PMP which is in direct contact with the paperboard substrate, afirst tie layer adjacent the first PMP layer, the first tie layerbinding an oil and grease barrier layer to first PMP layer. Placedadjacent the oil and grease barrier layer is a second tie layer and thena food contact layer or second PMP layer. The entire polymeric structurein this embodiment makes up the five-layer polymeric coating. This fivelayer polymeric coating can be coextruded onto the paper substrate orapplied to the paper substrate by other or additional coating processes.

Any suitable oil and grease barrier resin can be selected for thesubject invention such as, but not limited to, polyamide resins,copolyamide resins such as the nylon resins, polyester resins orcopolyester resins. Additionally, the tie resin suitable for the subjectinvention may be a chemically modified graft copolymers ofmethylpentene; however, this is not required.

In yet another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 is apaperboard based structure that includes a three-layer polymeric coatingcoated on the paperboard substrate. The three-layer polymeric coatinggenerally contains an oil and grease barrier layer next to thepaperboard substrate, an adhesive tie resin layer on the barrier layer,and a layer of PMP which acts as the food contact layer. An example of acommercially available PMP polymer resin is TPX manufactured by MitsuiPetrochemical Corporation. The paperboard may be preheated or subject tocorona discharge treatment just prior to the coating of the polymericlayer on to the paperboard substrate in order to improve adhesion;however, this is not required. The paperboard may also be moistenedprior to the coating process; however, this is not required.

In still yet another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 is apaperboard based structure having a paperboard substrate and a PET layerthereon. The PET is can be extruded onto the paperboard substrate;however, this is not required. The paperboard may be preheated orsubject to corona discharge treatment just prior to the coating of thepolymeric layer on to the paperboard substrate in order to improveadhesion; however, this is not required. The paperboard may also bemoistened prior to the coating process; however, this is not required.

In still yet another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 is apaperboard based structure having a paperboard substrate and a PBT layerthereon. The PBT can be extruded onto the paperboard substrate; however,this is not required. The paperboard may be preheated or subject tocorona discharge treatment just prior to the coating of the polymericlayer on to the paperboard substrate in order to improve adhesion. Thepaperboard may also be moistened prior to the coating process; however,this is not required.

In another non-limiting arrangement, the inner liner 20 includes apaperboard substrate coated with an aqueous coating compositioncontaining at least one styrene-acrylic latex copolymer. The aqueouscoating composition may optionally further contain a stearate and/or asilicone. The aqueous coating composition may also be applied to thesurface of other coatings; however, this is not required. The aqueouscoating formulations can contain water; an aqueous latex containing arelatively soft free carboxyl group-containing styrene-acrylic resinhaving a low glass transition temperature (T_(g)) from about 20° C. toabout 80° C.; and/or an aqueous latex containing a relatively hardcarboxyl group-containing styrene-acrylic resin having a high glasstransition temperature (T_(g)) from about 55° C. to about 80° C. Anon-limiting example of a low T_(g) carboxyl group-containingstyrene-acrylic latex is B. F. Goodrich's Carboset XPD-1103, (T_(g) ofabout 20° C.), whereas an exemplary high T_(g) carboxyl group-containingstyrene-acrylic latex is B. F. Goodrich's Carboset XPD-1105, (T_(g) ofabout 55° C.). The relative amounts of low and high T_(g)styrene-acrylic latexes that are used are dependent upon the particularlatexes that are employed.

In one non-limiting formulation, the aqueous coating compositioncontains from about 0 to about 100 wt. % low T_(g) styrene-acrylic latex(based on the weight of the resin solids (BORS) in the totalformulation) and from about 100 wt. % to about 0 wt. % BORS of the highT_(g) styrene-acrylic latex, wherein each of the styrene-acrylic latexescontain at least about 50 wt. % resin solids. In another non-limitingformulation, the aqueous coating composition contains from about 30 wt.% to about 70 wt. % low T_(g) styrene-acrylic latex BORS and from about70 wt. % to about 30 wt. % BORS of the high T_(g) styrene-acrylic latex,wherein each of the styrene-acrylic latexes contain at least about 50wt. % resin solids. Typically, the aqueous coating formulations areprocessed at temperatures between about 220° F. and 300° F.

In still another non-limiting formulation, the aqueous coatingcomposition contains: A) about 20 to about 50 wt. % (based on the totalweight of the solids in the coating composition or BOS) of one or moreof the styrene-acrylic latex copolymer addition polymerization reactionproducts of

1) about 60 to about 90 wt. % (based on the total weight of the polymeror BOP) of at least one nonionic free radical polymerizable monomer,

2) up to about 5 wt. % BOP of at least one acidic free radicalpolymerizable monomer, and,

3) about 40 to about 10 wt. % BOP of at least one alkali-solublestabilizing resin having an acid number of at least 150 mg KOH/g,wherein the reaction products have a glass transition temperature in arange from about −30° C. to about 60° C.;

B) about 80 to about 50 wt. % BOS of one or more of calcium stearate andzinc stearate;

C) up to about 5 wt. % BOS of silicone; and

D) the balance water.

In this formulation, the styrene-acrylic latex copolymers have a T_(g)between about −40° C. 50° C.

In embodiments where the polymeric coating contains a styrene-acryliclatex copolymer, monomers which may be used include, but are not limitedto, ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as olefins,monovinylaromatics, alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylicacids and esters thereof, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylicanhydrides (or acids) and esters thereof, and halo substitutedolefinics. Specific examples of these monomers include, but are notlimited to, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, acrylic acid, methacrylicacid, methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate,2-ethylhexyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate,hydroxyethyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, itaconic acid, andcombinations thereof. The alkali-soluble stabilizing resin may be astyrene/maleic anhydride copolymer.

Addition polymerization reactions are well known to those skilled in theart. The type of free-radical polymerization initiator suitable for usein the addition polymerization reaction to produce the styrene-acryliclatex copolymer is known in the art to depend upon the desiredtemperature for the reaction. Suitable initiators include, but are notlimited to, t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl peroxybenzoate, t-butylperoctoate, cumene hydroperoxide, azobisisobutyronitrile, benzoylperoxide, ammonium persulfate, and combinations thereof.

The pH at which the styrene-acrylic latex copolymers are prepared mayaffect their stability. The pH range for use in the additionpolymerization reaction is generally from about 7 to about 11. WhilePMP, PET, and PBT are generally applied by extrusion, the aqueouscoating compositions are generally applied using blades, air knifes, rodcoaters, brushes, sprayer, and the like.

The polymeric coating may be applied to one or both sides of the papersubstrate. For example, the polymeric coating can be applied to apaperboard substrate using coating weights in the range from about 0.1to about 20 P/MSF. In another embodiment, the polymeric coating isapplied to a paperboard substrate using coating weights in the rangefrom about 1 to about 15 P/MSF. In yet another embodiment, the polymericcoating is applied to a paperboard substrate using coating weights inthe range from about 2 to about 12 P/MSF.

Additives and adjuvants that can optionally be included in the polymericcoating include, but are not limited to, thickening agents, coalescentsolvents (such as polyols), waxes, defoaming/dispersing agents,pigments, colorants, agents for improving the food release, greasebarrier, water barrier, blocking resistance, crease-resistance, pHadjusters (such as aqueous ammonia), and/or agents for improving otherproperties of the ovenable corrugated paper container. In oneembodiment, these additives and adjuvants, when used, are denoted GRASfor direct food contact under Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Coalescent solvents, when used, can include, but are not limited to, afood grade polyol such as propylene glycol or glycerine, whichfacilitates lowering the minimum film forming temperature of thepolymeric coating. When present, the coalescing solvent may be used inamounts up to about 20% by weight.

Thickeners and other rheology modifying agents, when used, can be addedin amounts up to about 2 wt. %. Suitable thickeners include, but are notlimited to, GRAS acrylic polymers, such as polyacrylic acid (such asRohm & Haas Co. Acrysol ASE-60, an acrylic copolymer emulsion); clays,such as Bentonite; and/or cellulosics (carboxylmethylcellulose).

The defoaming/dispersing agent, when used, functions primarily to reducethe number of bubbles in the polymeric coating and are present up toabout 1 wt. %. Examples of defoaming/dispersing agents include, but arenot limited to, Colloid 963, a proprietary composition available fromRhone-Poulenc.

The polymeric coating may further contain up to about 15 wt. % of a foodgrade crosslinker, such as the melamine-formaldehyde resin Cymel 373(available from Cytec Industries); and up to about 40 wt. % of a foodgrade wax, such as that from the carnauba wax emulsion Michemlube 160(available from Michelman, Inc.) to improve the food release propertiesof the ovenable corrugated paper container; however, this is notrequired. Typically, the wax emulsion, when used, contains from about 15wt. % to about 50 wt. % wax solids.

The outer liner 24 can include an optional coating on at least the sideof the outer liner which can be used to smooth the surface andfacilitates printing for a logo, instructions, and/or other decorationon the ovenable paper container 10. The cellulosic material or papersubstrate for the outer liner 24 is generally of a weight/sizesufficient to support printing and an optional coating to facilitateprinting. The cellulosic material or paper substrate for the outer liner24 is generally selected to have good resistance to conventional and/ormicrowave oven heating.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the outer liner 24 (with optionalcoating on the bottom or lower surface) has a weight of about 1-100P/MSF. In another embodiment, the outer liner (with optional coating onthe bottom or lower surface) has a weight of about 5-85 P/MSF. In yetanother embodiment, the outer liner (with optional coating on the bottomor lower surface) has a weight of about 10-70 P/MSF.

The optional coating on the bottom or lower surface outer linergenerally includes one or more additives that can include variouspigments; however, this is not required. These pigments in the optionalcoating can be used to improve surface smoothness and/or uniformity;however, this is not required. These pigments can also contribute toincreased brightness, opacity and gloss for appearance, and/or toreduced ink show-through; however, this is not required. Non-limitingexamples of pigments that can be included in the optional coatinginclude hydrous kaolin coating clays, fine calcined clay, trihydratedalumina, calcium carbonate, and/or titanium dioxide.

One or more adhesives can be optionally used to hold the optionalcoating on the lower or bottom surface of the outer liner to the papersubstrate of the outer liner 24. Non-limiting examples of adhesive thatcan be used include starch, casein and/or lattices. Coating binders canbe optionally included in the optional coating to positively affectgloss and ink holdout. The wet rub resistance of the optional coating onthe lower or bottom surface of the outer liner can be improved by theuse of selected adhesives such as, but not limited to, butadiene-styrenelatex, butadiene-styrene, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), and/orpolyacrylic.

Dispersants can be optionally used on the optional coating on the loweror bottom surface of the outer liner to promote and/or maintain theseparation of individual pigment particles in the optional coating. Thedispersants can be used to reduce coating viscosities, enhance coatingflow during the application process and/or contribute to an improvedcoating layer on the paper substrate. Non-limiting examples ofdispersants include pentasodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodiumpyrophosphate, sodium tetraphosphate, casein, sodium silicate and/orsodium salts of carboxylic acids. Selection of a dispersant is largelydetermined by the type of pigments utilized in a specific optionalcoating on the lower or bottom surface of the outer liner.

The optional coating on the lower or bottom surface of the outer linercan include lubricants to improve coating flow properties, coating lay,surface finish and/or product printability. Such lubricants can reducethe tendency of the optional coating on the lower or bottom surface ofthe outer liner from cracking, and can be also or alternatively be usedto prevent dusting. Non-limiting examples of lubricants include sodiumstearate, calcium stearate, sulfonated oils, and/or polyethyleneemulsions. Specific examples include a water-based lubricant under thetrade designation PCL500 available from Michelman, Inc. These lubricantsmay be diluted with water prior to use; however, this is not required.

Insolubilizers, when used in the optional coating on the lower or bottomsurface of the outer liner, can be used to improve water resistance ofthe coating. Insolubilizers are generally used to reduce the sensitivityof the adhesives to water and/or generally improve the wet rubresistance of the optional coating on the lower or bottom surface of theouter liner. Non-limiting examples of insolubilizers include urearesins, such as urea-formaldehyde, melamine resins, such asmelamine-formaldehyde, and/or glyoxal.

Viscosity-reducing additives, when used, can be included in the optionalcoating on the lower or bottom surface of the outer liner can be used tocontrol, lower and/or stabilize the viscosity of adhesives or pigmentsin the optional coating prior to application. Non-limiting examples ofviscosity-reducing additives include urea, dicyandiamide, and/orethylenediamine. The viscosity-reducing additives can be used tofacilitate in maintaining uniform flow properties in the coatingoperation. Viscosity-increasing additives build viscosity into coatingswhere the primary binder is latex. Additives such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, which is also an adhesive, can be used to increaseviscosity of the top coating so as to improve runnability, coating lay,and/or uniformity of deposition of the optional coating on the outerliner. Other types of viscosity-reducing additives include sodiumalginate (such as Kelgin) and/or hydroxy ethylcellulose (HEC).

The optional coating on the lower or bottom surface of the outer linercan be applied by blade coating, roll coating, brushing, spraying, etc.The optional coating formulations are generally designed, in part, toaid the blade-coating processes, when such a coating process is used.The blade generally removes excess optional coating that has been pickedup in the applicator pan. Sulfated tall oil fatty acid can be used inthe optional coating to promote coating leveling; however, this is notrequired.

The corrugated paper composite that is used to formed the ovenable papercontainer 10 can be prepared by a process known as the Stein-Hallprocess, although any suitable process may be employed. Corrugatingmachines are commercially available from the Bobst Group of companies.The Stein-Hall process employs a corrugating adhesive to bond acorrugated paper “medium,” such as a roll or strip, to the outer liner24 and/or inner liner 20. Adhesives that are used in conjunction withthe Stein-Hall process are known, and such adhesives may contain one ormore of an aqueous emulsion of raw starch, caustic, pasted modified orunmodified starch, and/or a cross-linking agent.

The paper substrate that is used to form the intermediate or corrugatedlayer has a weight of about 1-100 P/MSF. In another embodiment, thepaper substrate used to form the intermediate or corrugated layer has aweight of about 5-85 P/MSF. In yet another embodiment, the papersubstrate used to form the intermediate or corrugated layer has a weightof about 10-70 P/MSF. Typically, the paper substrate is a semi-chemmedium paper; however, this is not required.

The flutes of the intermediate or corrugated layer may have any suitablesize or shape. Non-limiting examples of shapes of flute andcorresponding sizes including A—about 5 mm; B—about 3 mm; C—about 4 mm;E—about 1.5 mm; F flute—about 1.2 mm; N, G, and Z, etc.

The corrugated paper composite can be formed by laminating theintermediate or corrugated layer 22 to a) the inner liner 20 and outerliner simultaneously, b) the inner liner 20 then the outer liner 24, orc) the outer liner 24 then the inner liner 20. An adhesive may beemployed on the outer curves of the intermediate or corrugated layer 22,and/or on the binding surface of the outer/inner liners 20, 22 so thatthe corrugated paper composite remains together.

A wide range of starch-based adhesive compositions and/or biodegradableadhesives can be used to adhesively connect together two or more layersof the corrugated paper composite. One non-limiting example of anadhesive that can be used is R130 adhesive by Fasson Inc. Anothernon-limiting example of an adhesive that can be used is a typicalstarch-based adhesive containing water, starch, caustic soda (to modifycarrier texture and/or gel point), and borax (as a carrier extender).Starch-based adhesives can be of the carrier, no-carrier, andcarrier-no-carrier type.

In carrier type starch-based adhesives, a portion of the starch forms acarrier, often known as the gelatinized phase, which suspends thebalance of the starch which is in an ungelatinized state. Underconditions of heat and pressure, the ungelatinized starch is rapidlyhydrated and gelatinized to rapidly increase the viscosity andadhesivity of the adhesive composition. In no-carrier type starch-basedadhesives, substantially all of the starch is slightly cooked or swollenwith heat and caustic soda for viscosity. Finally, carrier-no-carriertype starch-based adhesives have a portion of the starch which forms acarrier and is responsible for about one half of the viscosity and theremaining viscosity is obtained by slightly swelling the uncookedstarch. Adhesives containing sodium silicates and clay may also be used.

In one non-limiting embodiment, a dry preblended carrier starch containsabout 70%-90% by weight modified starch, which is typically in the formof oxidized starch, but may also or alternatively be in the form ofdextrin, and about 10-30% by weight dry alkali in the form of sodiummetasilicate and/or trisodium phosphate. The adhesive may also containother components such as, but not limited to, fillers and bulkingagents, and mineral oils to reduce dusting, etc.

Starches derived from the root, stem or fruit of a number of plants canbe used. Examples of suitable starch sources include corn, wheat,potato, beet, tapioca, rice, sago and/or manioc. Other genetic forms ofcorn, such as high amylose and waxy corn as well as sorghum varietiescan also or alternatively be used. This list is by no means complete andstarches may be derived from any farinaceous material.

Suitable chemically modified starches may be employed as the adhesive.Chemically modified starches include, but not limited to, modifiedoxidized starch such as hypochloriteoxidized starch, acid-thinnedstarch, ethylated starch, cross-bonded starch, cationic starch,acetylated starch, starch monophosphates and others which have reducedmolecular weight, higher fluidity and/or functional sub groups.Non-limiting examples of chemically modified starches are commerciallyavailable from Surebond, Inc. or under the trade designation STABLEBOND™modified starches which have residual carboxyl functionality and extremeuniformity and are available from Corn Products International, Inc.

The corrugated paper composite typically has three layers as illustratedin FIG. 2, although additional layers may be added. The additionallayers may be intermediate or corrugated layers and/or flat layers. Anysuitable size of the sheets of corrugated paper composite may be formedas the size is not critical.

Once the corrugated paper composite is formed, it may be embossed 30 toprovide indentations into the surface as illustrated in FIG. 3.Alternatively, the inner liner 20 may be embossed 30 prior to formingthe corrugated paper composite. Still alternatively, die cut blanks(described below) may be embossed. Embossing may involve forming anysuitable shape into the corrugated paper composite. Circles, squares,and rectangles are easily formed. The embossed shapes on the foodsurface of the ovenable corrugated paper container permits air tocirculate underneath the food product held therein.

After the sheets of the corrugated paper composite are formed, thesheets are generally die-cut into blanks which are subsequently formedinto a container shape as illustrated in FIG. 1. Die cutting methods areknown. Flat bed or rotary dies may be employed. Scoring and cutting maybe driven by a computer, contributing to uniform and consistentproduction. Any shape of blank may be formed, and typically depends uponthe shape of the resultant ovenable paper container. For example, whenforming an ovenable paper container having a pie crust shape, the shapeof the blanks die cut is generally a circle. Oval, square, rectangular,triangular shapes are further examples of ovenable paper containers.

The blanks of corrugated paper composite are generally converted intoovenable corrugated paper containers 10 using a forming machine. Theforming machine shapes or molds the blank into a container or pan shapeunder mechanical pressure and at least one of steam and heat for asufficient period of time. The dwell time depends upon a number offactors, including the depth of the pan; the weights of the papersubstrates employed for the inner, intermediate or corrugated, and outerlayers; the temperature, and the like. Forming machines are availablefrom a number of sources including Graylex and Peerless.

The blanks of corrugated paper composite may be shaped or molded into acontainer or pan shape by a thermoforming process. In such a process,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are subjected to athermoforming mold. The blanks of corrugated paper composite may beplaced between first and second dies having a mating protrusion andcavity in the desired shape. The dies compress the blanks of corrugatedpaper composite under heat and pressure sufficient to deform the blanksof corrugated paper composite into a shape congruent with the dies. Uponretraction of the dies, the corrugated paper composite retains thedesired shape. The edges of the corrugated paper composite may betrimmed or otherwise finished for the use. The blanks of corrugatedpaper composite can be shaped or molded into the container or pan shapeby the thermoforming process before or after the polymeric coating isapplied to the inner liner.

Without the application of mechanical pressure and at least one of steamand heat (that is to say without thermoforming), the corrugated papercontainer may burn when exposed to elevated cooking temperatures. Theapplication of mechanical pressure and at least one of steam and heatresults in a corrugated paper container that can withstand oven cookingtemperatures without burning, delaminating, and otherwise deforming.

The corrugated paper container or pan may have a one-piece seamless,unlapped structure. The corrugated paper container or pan needs nolapped joint to retain the desired shape because the container or pan isshaped or molded into the container or pan shape by the thermoformingprocess. Due to the seamless, unlapped construction of the corrugatedpaper container or pan, the container or pan may be leakproof orwaterproof even when the container or pan is placed where thesurrounding air is at elevated temperatures. Since the corrugated papercontainer is seamless, undesired wicking of liquid through a seam isavoided.

In one embodiment, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers under a pressure of about 1,000lbs. of force or more. In another embodiment, the blanks of corrugatedpaper composite are converted into ovenable paper containers under apressure of about 10,000 lbs. of force or more. In yet anotherembodiment, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers under a pressure of about 12,000 lbs. of forceor more.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers under a pressureof up to about 25,000 lbs. of force. In another non-limitingarrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers under a pressure of up to about 20,000 lbs. offorce. In yet another non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugatedpaper composite are converted into ovenable paper containers under apressure of up to about 18,000 lbs. of force.

These pressure parameters can be combined to provide a desired shape ofthe ovenable paper container, depending on, for example, the type ofpaperboard and adhesives, and the shape. For example, in one embodiment,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenablepaper containers under a pressure of about 1,000-25,000 lbs. of force.In another embodiment, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers under a pressure of about10,000-20,000 lbs. of force. In yet another embodiment, the blanks ofcorrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable paper containersunder a pressure of about 12,000-18,000 lbs. of force.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers at a temperatureof about 30° C. or more. In another non-limiting arrangement, the blanksof corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable corrugatedpaper containers at a temperature of about 50° C. or more. In yetanother non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable corrugated paper containers at atemperature of about 75° C. or more.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers at a temperatureof about 300° C. or less. In another non-limiting arrangement, theblanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable papercontainers at a temperature of 250° C. or less. In yet anothernon-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers at a temperature of about 200°C. or less.

These parameters can be combined to provide a desired shape of theovenable paper container, depending on, for example, the type ofpaperboard and adhesives, and the shape. For example, in one embodiment,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenablepaper containers at a temperature of about 30° C.-300° C. In anotherembodiment, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers at a temperature of about 50° C.-250° C. Inyet another embodiment, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers at a temperature of about 75°C.-200° C.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers while about 0% ormore steam is injected into the mold cavity. The % steam refers to theamount of water vapor in air that is injected into the mold cavity as itcollapses upon the blank of corrugated paper composite. In anothernon-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers while about 1% or more steam isinjected into the mold cavity. In yet another non-limiting arrangement,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenablepaper containers while about 2% or more steam is injected into the moldcavity.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers while about 50%or less steam is injected into the mold cavity. In another non-limitingarrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers while about 25% or less steam is injected intothe mold cavity. In yet another non-limiting arrangement, the blanks ofcorrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable paper containerswhile about 10% or less steam is injected into the mold cavity.

These parameters can be combined to provide a desired shape of theovenable paper container, depending on, for example, the type ofpaperboard and adhesives, and the shape. For example, in onenon-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable corrugated paper containers while about 0%-50%steam is injected into the mold cavity. In another non-limitingarrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers while about 1%-25% steam is injected into themold cavity. In yet another non-limiting arrangement, the blanks ofcorrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable paper containerswhile about 2%-10% steam is injected into the mold cavity.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers using a dwelltime of about 0.01 seconds or more. In another non-limiting arrangement,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenablepaper containers using a dwell time of about 0.1 seconds or more. In yetanother non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers using a dwelltime of about 0.2 seconds or more.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers using a dwelltime of about 60 seconds or less. In another non-limiting arrangement,the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenablepaper containers using a dwell time of about 30 seconds or less. In yetanother non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers using a dwelltime of about 10 seconds or less.

These parameters can be combined to provide a desired shape of theovenable paper container, depending on, for example, the type ofpaperboard and adhesives, and the shape. For example, in onenon-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers using a dwell time of about0.01-60 seconds. In another non-limiting arrangement, the blanks ofcorrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable paper containersusing a dwell time of about 0.1-30 seconds. In yet another non-limitingarrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite are converted intoovenable paper containers using a dwell time of about 0.2-10 seconds.

The above-mentioned parameters can be combined to provide a desiredshape of the ovenable paper container, depending on, for example, thetype of paperboard and adhesives, and the shape. For example, in onenon-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated paper composite areconverted into ovenable paper containers under a pressure of about1,000-25,000 lbs. of force, at a temperature of about 30° C.-300° C.,using a dwell time of about 0.01-60 seconds, while about 0%-50% steam isinjected into the mold cavity. In another non-limiting arrangement, theblanks of corrugated paper composite are converted into ovenable papercontainers under a pressure of about 10,000-20,000 lbs. of force, at atemperature of about 50° C.-250° C., using a dwell time of about 0.1-30seconds while about 1%-25% steam is injected into the mold cavity. Inyet another non-limiting arrangement, the blanks of corrugated papercomposite are converted into ovenable paper containers under a pressureof about 12,000-18,000 lbs. of force, at a temperature of about 75°C.-200° C., using a dwell time of about 0.2-10 seconds, while about2-10% steam is injected into the mold cavity.

Referring again to FIG. 1, an ovenable paper container 10 is shown witha food product 12 therein. The ovenable paper container 10 has a pie panor circular pan shape, although any shape may be employed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the ovenable papercontainer 10 is shown. The ovenable paper container 10 has a flat innerliner 20 made of a paper substrate and a polymeric coating, not shown, aintermediate or corrugated layer 22 made of corrugated paper, and a flatouter liner 24 made of a paper substrate and optional printable topcoating. Adhesive may be present between the apexes of the arches of theintermediate or corrugated layer 22 and the inner liner 20 and/or theouter liner 24. Air occupies spaces 26, which may provide thermalinsulation after a baking operation is completed. That is, a person mayhandle the ovenable paper container 10 soon after it is removed from anoven since the air spaces 26 keeps the surface temperature of the outerliner 24 far below the temperature of the food product 12 within theovenable paper container 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the inner liner 20 of theovenable paper container 10 is shown. The inner liner 20 has optionalembossing 30 in the form of indentations. The embossing 30 facilitatesthe flow of hot air during baking.

The resultant ovenable paper container is suitable for either cooking orheating food products in an oven at elevated temperatures and forserving the cooked or heated food product without the danger of burninga person handling the container due to the insulation properties. Theresultant ovenable paper container is suitable for not only holding hotfood products where the surrounding air is at an ambient temperature butalso cooking or heating food products where the surrounding air isheated at elevated temperatures. In accordance with the invention,burning, charring, delamination, melting, wicking, and other degradingevents are inhibited or prevented even when the ovenable corrugatedpaper container is placed where the surrounding air is heated atelevated temperatures because the ovenable paper container has thethermoformed, seamless, unlapped, one-piece construction. The ovenablepaper container may be leakproof or waterproof even when the foodproducts with high water content is placed in the container and when theovenable paper container is placed where the surrounding air is atelevated temperatures.

The ovenable paper container may be employed to cook or heat food itemsat the suitable elevated temperatures depending on, for example, thefood product type or how the food is cooked or heated. The ovenablepaper container may be employed to cook or heat food items at elevatedtemperatures of about 200° F. or more. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at elevated temperatures of about 250° F. or more. Inanother non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable paper container may beemployed to cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures of about275° F. or more.

In one non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable paper container may beemployed to cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures of about600° F. or less. In another non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable papercontainer may be employed to cook or heat food items at elevatedtemperatures of about 550° F. or less. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at elevated temperatures of about 500° F. or less.

These parameters can be combined to provide a desired cooked or heatedfood products, depending on, for example, the food product type or howthe food is cooked or heated. For example, the ovenable paper containermay be employed to cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures ofabout 200° F.-600° F. In another non-limiting arrangement, the ovenablepaper container may be employed to cook or heat food items at elevatedtemperatures of about 250° F.-550° F. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at elevated temperatures of about 275° F.-500° F. Inanother non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable paper container may beemployed to cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures of about260° F.-600° F. In another non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable papercontainer may be employed to cook or heat food items at elevatedtemperatures of about 280° F.-590° F. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at elevated temperatures of about 300° F.-580° F.Notably, in one non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable non-limitingarrangement paper container may be employed to cook or heat food itemsat elevated temperatures of about 375° F. or more. In anothernon-limiting arrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employedto cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures of about 425° F. ormore. In yet another non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable papercontainer may be employed to cook or heat food items at elevatedtemperatures of about 450° F. or more.

The ovenable paper container may be employed to cook or heat food itemsat the elevated temperatures for suitable time period depending on thefood product type or how the food is cooked or heated. The ovenablepaper container may be employed to cook or heat food items at theelevated temperatures for about 3 minutes or more. In anothernon-limiting arrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employedto cook or heat food items at the elevated temperatures for about 5minutes or more. In another non-limiting arrangement, the ovenable papercontainer may be employed to cook or heat food items at the elevatedtemperatures for about 10 minutes or more.

The ovenable paper container may be employed to cook or heat food itemsat the elevated temperatures for about 3 hours or less. In anothernon-limiting arrangement, the ovenable non-limiting arrangement papercontainer may be employed to cook or heat food items at the elevatedtemperatures for about 2 hours or less. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at the elevated temperatures for about 1 hour or less.

These parameters can be combined to provide a desired cooked or heatedfood products, depending on, for example, the food product type or howthe food is cooked or heated. For example, the ovenable paper containermay be employed to cook or heat food items at the elevated temperaturesfor about 3 minutes to about 3 hours. In another non-limitingarrangement, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook orheat food items at the elevated temperatures for about 5 minutes toabout 2 hours. In another corrugated, the ovenable paper container maybe employed to cook or heat food items at the elevated temperatures forabout 10 minutes to about 1 hour.

The above-mentioned parameters can be combined to provide a desiredcooked or heated food products, depending on, for example, the foodproduct type or how the food is cooked or heated. For example, theovenable paper container may be employed to cook or heat food items atelevated temperatures of about 200° F.-600° F. for about 3 minutes toabout 3 hours. In another corrugated, the ovenable paper container maybe employed to cook or heat food items at elevated temperatures of about250° F.-550° F. for about 5 minutes to about 2 hours. In anothercorrugated, the ovenable paper container may be employed to cook or heatfood items at elevated temperatures of about 275° F.-500° F. for about10 minutes to about 1 hour.

The ovenable paper container is suitable for use in any oven. Examplesof ovens include, but are not limited to, conventional ovens, convectionovens, microwave ovens, hybrid convection-microwave ovens,conventional-microwave ovens, toaster ovens, stone ovens, clay ovens,and the like.

The food products that may be cooked or heated in the ovenable papercontainer are those that conventionally cooked in an oven. Examples offood products include, but not limited to, breads, fish, meats, pastas,pizza, vegetables, sandwiches, hot pockets, calzones, pies, cakes,brownies, cookies, pastries, and the like.

When cooking a dough containing food product in the ovenable papercontainer, it may be beneficial to include a dough additive or tosprinkle a moisture absorbent in the ovenable paper container (beforeplacing the dough containing food product into the container) tofacilitate formation a crisp dough; however, this is not required. Doughcontaining food products include, but are not limited to, breads, pizza,hot pockets, calzones, pastries, pies, cakes, brownies, and cookies.Non-limiting examples of dough additive and moisture absorbents include,but are not limited to, corn meal, a product under the trade designationPizza Crisp™ available from Pizza Crisp International, Ltd., and/or aproduct under the trade designation Krisp-It available from Krisp-It,Ltd.

A lid, not shown, may be constructed of the ovenable paper container 10.Optionally, a lid may have the same construction except that the innerliner of the lid does not require the polymeric coating and/or may beconstructed of a lower weight paper substrate, similar to those of theintermediate or corrugated liner 22 and the outer liner 24. The lid maybe optionally shaped to detachably fit over the ovenable paper container10. The lid may optionally have holes positioned therein, or the lid maybe optionally scored so that a subsequent user may open ventilationholes.

It is to be understood that any numerical figure of a given parametermay be combined with a different numerical figure of the same parameterto form a range for the given parameter.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-13 there is illustrated an ovenable papercontainer 100 and a device for forming the ovenable paper container inaccordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5,the ovenable paper container 100 is formed of three components, namelyan outer liner 110, an intermediate or corrugated layer 120, and anouter liner 130.

The inner liner 110 is formed of a paper substrate 112 and a polymericcoating 118 positioned on the upper surface 114 of the paper substrate.The polymeric coating 118 can be formed of one or more layers ofpolymeric material. The paper substrate 112 can be formed of one or morelayers of paper material. Generally the paper substrate is formed of acellulosic material. The polymeric coating 118 can be formed of one ormore polymers (e.g., PET, PBT, PMP, etc.). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and5, the inner liner is formed of a single layer of paper substrate 112.The paper substrate used to form the inner liner is generally not acorrugated layer. The thickness of the paper substrate is generallythicker than the polymeric coating. The thickness ratio of the papersubstrate to the polymeric coating is generally about 1.01-1000:1,typically about 1.5-500:1, and more typically about 2:100:1. The papersubstrate 112 generally has a weight of about 10-250 pounds per thousandsquare feet (P/MSF), and typically about 35-125 P/MSF. The polymericcoating 118 generally has coating weight of about 0.1-30 P/MSF, andtypically about 1-15 P/MSF. The polymeric coating is generally coated onthe paper substrate prior to the inner liner being subjected to aforming process that forms the paper container 100 into it final shape.The polymeric coating can be applied to the upper surface of the papersubstrate 112 by a variety of application processes (e.g., extrusion,spray coating, etc.). Generally, only the upper surface of the papersurface includes a polymeric coating. The polymeric coating is generallyused to inhibit or prevent food from sticking to the inner liner duringthe heating or cooking of the food in the paper container. As can beappreciated, the polymeric coating can have other or additionalfunctions. The upper surface 114 of the paper substrate 112 generally isformed of a single layer of cellulosic material, thus is absent a seam.

The intermediate or corrugated layer 120 is generally formed of acellulosic material. The intermediate or corrugated layer 120 can beformed of one or more layers of cellulosic material. As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 is formed of asingle layer of fluted cellulosic material. The single layer of flutedcellulosic material has an upper surface 122 and a lower surface 124.The intermediate or corrugated layer 120 generally has a weight of about10-85 P/MSF, and typically about 12-65 P/MSF. The intermediate orcorrugated layer 120 can have any suitable shape and size of flutes. Theaverage height of the flutes prior to the forming of the paper container100 is generally at least about 0.5 mm, typically no more than about 20mm, more typically about 1-8 mm, and even more typically about 1.2-6 mm.Generally the paper weight of the intermediate or corrugated layer 120is less than the paper weight of the paper substrate 112 of the innerliner 110.

The outer liner 130 is generally formed of a cellulosic material. Theouter liner 130 can be formed of one or more layers of cellulosicmaterial. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer liner is formed ofa single layer of cellulosic material. The single layer of cellulosicmaterial has an upper surface 132 and a lower surface 134. The papersubstrate used to form the outer liner is generally not a corrugatedlayer. The outer liner 130 generally has a weight of about 10-80 P/MSF,and typically about 12-60 P/MSF. The outer liner can optionally includea coating on the lower surface, not shown, that can be used tofacilitate in the application of printed material on the lower surface.The thickness ratio of the paper substrate of the outer liner to thecoating on the lower surface of the paper substrate, when such coatingis used, is generally about 1.01-1000:1, typically about 1.5-500:1, andmore typically about 2:100:1. The optional coating can be applied to thelower surface of the paper substrate of the outer liner by a variety ofapplication processes (e.g., extrusion, spray coating, etc.).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the three layers of the paper container areplaced together to form a cardboard composite 150 prior to the formingof the paper container into it final form. One or more of the threelayers of the cardboard composite 150 can be connected together prior tothe final forming of the paper container; however, this is not required.When one or more layers of the cardboard composite 150 are connectedtogether prior to the final forming of the paper container, such layersare generally connected together by an adhesive; however, other oradditional materials (e.g., polymeric materials, mechanical connectors,etc.) can be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is illustrated a non-limitingthermoforming apparatus 200 that can be used to form the cardboardcomposite 150 into paper container 10, 100. The thermoforming apparatusincludes an upper die 210 and a lower die 240. As illustrated in FIG. 6,the cardboard composite is placed on the upper ledge 242 of the lowerdie prior to forming the cardboard composite. The cardboard composite isgenerally cut prior to being placed on the lower die; however, this isnot required. Once the cardboard composite is properly positioned on thelower die, the upper and lower die are brought together to formed thecardboard composite into a paper container as illustrated in FIG. 7.FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate that the upper die 210 is lowered into thelower die as shown by the arrow; however, it can be appreciated that thelower die can also or alternatively be lifted toward the upper dieduring the forming of the paper container; however, this is notrequired.

As illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper die is shown to include aplurality of steam openings 212 on the lower surface 214 of the upperdie. The steam openings are illustrated as being positioned throughoutthe lower surface of the upper die; however, this is not required. Ascan be appreciated, the upper die can include only a single opening. Thesteam is shown to be directed into a steam source tube 216 that isconnected to a plurality of steam tubes 218 which direct the steam tothe plurality of steam openings 212. The upper die is also illustratedas including an internal heating source. The internal heating source isgenerally in the form of a heat coil 220 that is connected to a powercable 222, which in turn is connected to a power source. The heatingcoils are illustrated as being positioned nearer to the lower surface ofthe upper die; however, this is not required. The internal hating sourcecan be designed to uniformly or non-uniformly heat the lower surface 214of the upper die. As can be appreciated, the internal heating source canalso or alternatively be a heating system based on the flow of heated orcooled fluid (e.g., heated/cooled liquid, heated/cooled gas, etc.)through one or more passageways in the upper die as illustrated in FIG.7. As can be appreciated, the upper die can be designed to only includea steam source, only include an internal heating, or be absent both asteam source and internal heating source.

As also illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower die 240 is shown toinclude a plurality of steam openings 246 on the upper cavity surface244 of the lower die. The steam openings are illustrated as beingpositioned throughout the upper cavity surface of the lower die;however, this is not required. As can be appreciated, the lower die caninclude only a single steam opening 246. The steam is shown to bedirected into a steam source tube 248 that is connected to a pluralityof steam tubes 250 which direct the steam to the plurality of steamopenings 246. The lower die is also illustrated as including an internalheating source. The internal heating source is generally in the form ofa heat coil 260 that is connected to a power cable 262, which in turn isconnected to a power source, not shown. The heating coils areillustrated as being positioned nearer to the upper cavity surface 244of the lower die; however, this is not required. The internal hatingsource can be designed to uniformly or non-uniformly heat the uppercavity surface 244 of the lower die. As can be appreciated, the internalheating source can also or alternatively be a heating system based onthe flow of heated or cooled fluid (e.g., heated/cooled liquid,heated/cooled gas, etc.) through one or more passageways in the lowerdie as illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be appreciated, the lower die canbe designed to only include a steam source, only include an internalheating, or be absent both a steam source and internal heating source.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the upper and lower dies are movedtogether, the cardboard composite is bent and formed into a papercontainer 10, 100. During the thermoforming process, steam and/or heatfrom the internal heating source from the upper and/or lower die isapplied to the cardboard composite. The amount of steam, the temperaturethe cardboard composited is heated to, and the dwell time of thecardboard composite between the upper and lower dies can be selected toform the desired paper container.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of the paper container100 that can be formed from thermoforming apparatus 200. As illustratedin FIG. 8, the formed paper container 100 includes a generally flatupper surface 160 of the base region of the paper container. The upperflat surface is formed by the paper substrate 112 and polymeric coating118 of the inner liner. The formed paper container also includes a rim170 that extends upwardly from upper surface 160. The rim 170 includesan interior or inner surface 172 that is formed by the paper substrate112 and polymeric coating 118 of the inner liner. A curved transitionregion 180 exists between rim 170 and the generally flat upper surface160. FIG. 8 illustrated that there is no seam between the generally flatupper surface 160 and rim 170. Generally, the complete inner surface ofthe paper container, including the rim, is absent a seam. Rim 170 isillustrated as having a rolled or bent edge 174; however, this is anoptional feature of the formed paper container. The upper portion of end176 of rolled or bent edge 174 is illustrated as being compresseddownwardly; however, this is not required. The compression of the upperportion of end 176 can be accomplished by an end edge 230 on the upperdie; however, it can be appreciated that other or alternativearrangements can be used to compress end 176. As is also illustrated inFIG. 8, the lower portion of end 176 of rolled or bent edge 174 isillustrated as being compressed upwardly; however, this is not required.The compression of the lower portion of end 176 can be accomplished by acurved edge portion 270 on the lower die; however, it can be appreciatedthat other or alternative arrangements can be used to compress end 176.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the inner liner and outer liner of the papercontainer are formed during the forming process; however, these twolayers are primarily bent, but generally not further compressed, duringthe forming process. As such, there is little, if any, thickness changesin the inner liner and the outer liner before or after the formingprocess. Generally the thickness change of the inner and outer linersdue to the forming process is less than about 20%, typically less thanabout 10%, and more typically less than about 5%. Although the thicknessof the inner and outer liner change little, if any, during the formingprocess, the intermediate or corrugated layer has a substantial changein thickness in the transition region and the rim of the paper containeras illustrated in FIG. 8. The paper container of the present inventionis formed so that the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 is partiallyor fully crushed in the rim and transition region of the papercontainer. It has been found that compressing the intermediate orcorrugated layer in the rim and transition region of the paper containerfacilitates in maintaining the shape and integrity of the papercontainer after the forming process and during the heating or cooking offood in the paper container. During the forming process, over 75 percentof the flutes of the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 that arelocated in the rim are crushed to less than about 30 percent of theoriginally height of the flutes. Also, during the forming process, over50 percent of the flutes of the intermediate or corrugated layer 120that are located in the transition region are crushed to less than about70 percent of the originally height of the flutes. The formed papercontainer is also designed to preserve the flutes in the intermediate orcorrugated layer 120 that are located beneath the generally flat uppersurface 160 of the paper container. The preservation of the flutes inthis region of the paper container results in increased spacing betweenthe inner and outer liner. Such increased spacing creates the desiredinsulating properties of the paper container that allow a person thetouch the bottom of the paper container without concern of being burnedimmediately or shortly after a food has been heated or cooked in thepaper container. Generally the majority of the flutes of theintermediate or corrugated layer 120 that are located beneath thegenerally flat upper surface 160 of the paper container are crushed lessthan the flutes located in the transition region and rim, and generallyover 80 percent of the flutes located beneath the generally flat uppersurface 160 of the paper container are crushed to no more that thanabout 30 percent of the originally height of the flutes, typically nomore that than about 40 percent of the originally height of the flutes,more typically no more that than about 50 percent of the originallyheight of the flutes.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the three layers of the paper container areshown to be connected together at discrete points on the fluted regionsof the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 by an adhesive 140. Theadhesive is typically a natural starch and/or synthetic starch adhesive;however, other or additional adhesives can be used. During the formingprocess of the paper container, the adhesive is generally heated andsoftened so that the adhesive can properly bond to the formed portionsof the paper container. The adhesive can be a pre-applied adhesive thatis located on one or more surfaces of the paper container layers. In onenon-limiting configuration, the intermediate or corrugated layer 120includes starch and/or is coated with starch prior to the formingprocess, and such starch on and/or contained in the intermediate orcorrugated layer 120 forms a bond with the inner and outer liners priorto, during and/or after the forming process. In one particularnon-limiting aspect of this configuration, the starch is the onlyadhesive used in the paper container to bond the intermediate orcorrugated layer 120 to the inner and outer liners in the region belowthe generally flat upper surface 160. In another particular non-limitingaspect of this configuration, the starch is the only adhesive used inthe paper container to bond the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 tothe inner and outer liners in the transition region 180. In stillanother particular non-limiting aspect of this configuration, the starchis the only adhesive used in the paper container to bond theintermediate or corrugated layer 120 to the inner and outer liners inthe rim.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the inner surface 172 of rim 170 is generallyflat; however, this is not required. The angle between the inner surface172 of rim 170, not including rolled or bent edge 174, and the uppersurface 160 is generally about 30-90°. The end 176 of the bent or rollededge 174 is generally formed of the outer and inner liners beingcompressed together. Generally an adhesive is used to secure the outerand inner liners together end 176. In one non-limiting configuration,the adhesive from the intermediate or corrugated layer 120 located at ornear end 176 is the primary adhesive source used to secure together theends of the inner and outer liners.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a formed paper container100 that contains a food product such a pizza P on the upper surface 160of the paper container. The paper container and food product are shownto be located in an oven O. Heat from the oven that is represented bythe arrows heats and/or cooks the food product contained in the papercontainer. During the heating or cooking process, the paper containerresists burning, charring and/or delamination of one or more of thelayers of the paper container.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a lid or cover 190 can be attached to the topof the paper container. The use of a lid or cover is optional. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the lid 190 includes curved end edges 192 thatare designed to releasably secure to end 176 of the bent or rolled edge174 of the paper container. Generally the lid is formed of a cellulosicmaterial; however, other or additional materials can be used (e.g.,plastic, metal, etc.). As also can be appreciated, the lid, when used,can be connected to the paper container by other or additionalarrangements (adhesive, melted bond, staple, slot connection, etc.). Thelid can include one or more openings to allow moisture to escape thewhen the lid is placed on the paper container; however, this is notrequired. The lid can be a thermoformed component; however, this is notrequired.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper surface 160 of the papercontainer can include one or more openings 300 that penetrate throughthe inner layer 110. The one or more openings are designed to allowliquid on the upper surface 160 to flow through the openings be retainedbetween the inner and outer liners. When there is too much liquid on theupper surface 160, such liquid can interfered with the browning of doughproducts. The one or more openings in the inner liner are designed toremove some or all of the liquid on the upper surface and therebyimprove the heating and/or cooking of food in the container. Theinclusion of the one or more openings 300 is optional since some typesof food products may not benefit from such openings (e.g., soup,casseroles, etc.). When the upper surface includes a plurality ofopenings 300, such openings can be uniformly or non-uniformly positionedin the upper surface of the paper container. One or more openings can beincluded on the inner surface 172 of rim 170; however, this is notrequired. One or more openings can be included on the upper surface ofthe transition region 180; however, this is not required. The averagecross-sectional area of the openings is about 0.002-0.06 in² and theaverage spacing of the openings from one another is at least about 0.03inches. As best illustrated in FIG. 12, openings 300 fully penetratethrough inner liner 110, but do not fully penetrate though outer liner130. As such, liquid that passes though inner liner 110 through openings300 is partially retained or trapped between the inner and outer liners.As a result, essentially all of the liquid that passes through openings300 does not accumulate on or dip from the bottom or lower surface 134of outer liner 130. One or more of the openings may partially or fullypass through intermediate or corrugated layer 120; however, this is notrequired. One or more of the openings may partially pass through outerliner 130; however, this is not required. The formation of one or moreof openings 300 can occur before, during and/or after the forming of thecorrugated composite into the formed paper container. As such, the innerliner can be preformed with one or more openings, the upper die can formone or more openings during the forming process, and/or after the papercontainer is formed, the upper surface can be treated to form one ormore openings in the upper surface of the formed paper container.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the upper surface 160 of the paper containercan include embossing 310. Embossing the upper surface of the papercontainer can be used to increase the integrity of the paper containerand/or improve the cooking of food in the paper container. The inclusionof embossing on the upper surface of the paper container is optional.When the upper surface includes embossing, the embossing can beuniformly or non-uniformly positioned in the upper surface of the papercontainer. The embossing can be included on the inner surface 172 of rim170; however, this is not required. The embossing can be included on theupper surface of the transition region 180; however, this is notrequired. The embossing can be used in paper containers that contain ordo not contain openings 300. When the paper container includes openings300, the embossing can facilitate in directing liquid into the openings;however, this is not required. The formation of embossing 310 can occurbefore, during and/or after the forming of the corrugated composite intothe formed paper container. As such, the inner liner can be preformedwith embossing, the upper die can form the embossing during the formingprocess, and/or after the paper container is formed, the upper surfacecan be treated to form embossing in the upper surface of the formedpaper container.

The following examples illustrate the subject invention. Unlessotherwise indicated in the following examples and elsewhere in thespecification and claims, all parts and percentages are by weight, alltemperatures are in degrees Centigrade, and pressure is at or nearatmospheric pressure.

Example 1

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 60 P/MSF paper substrate and a PET coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 20 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 26 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a PCL500water based lubricant available from Michelman, Inc. A starch adhesiveis used between the apexes of the arches of the intermediate orcorrugated layer and the inner liner and the outer liner.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 14,000 lbs. force, and at about 150° C. with a dwell time of about0.5 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenable paper containeroptionally includes a plurality of openings in the inner liner and/orembossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 2

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 69 P/MSF paper substrate and a PMP coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 26 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 20 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a PCL500water based lubricant available from Michelman, Inc. A starch adhesiveis used between the apexes of the arches of the intermediate orcorrugated layer and the inner liner and the outer liner.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 16,000 lbs. force, and at about 175° C. with a dwell time of about0.5 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenable paper containeroptionally includes a plurality of openings in the inner liner and/orembossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 3

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 99 P/MSF paper substrate and an aqueous coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 7 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 69 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a sulfatedtall oil fatty acid. A starch adhesive is used between the apexes of thearches of the intermediate or corrugated layer and the inner liner andthe outer liner. The aqueous coating contains styrene-acrylic latexcopolymer (styrene:maleic anhydride copolymer, methylmethacrylate, andethylhexacrylate), calcium stearate, silicone (Silicone 175 from DowCorning), and water.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 18,000 lbs. force, and at about 1700 with a dwell time of about0.5 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenable paper containeroptionally includes a plurality of openings in the inner liner and/orembossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 4

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 60 P/MSF paper substrate and a PET coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 20 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 26 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a PCL500water based lubricant available from Michelman, Inc. A starch adhesiveis used between the apexes of the arches of the intermediate orcorrugated layer and the inner liner and the outer liner.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 13,000 lbs. force, 4% injected steam, and at about 160° C. with adwell time of about 0.25 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenablepaper container optionally includes a plurality of openings in the innerliner and/or embossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 5

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 69 P/MSF paper substrate and a PMP coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 26 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 20 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a PCL500water based lubricant available from Michelman, Inc. A starch adhesiveis used between the apexes of the arches of the intermediate orcorrugated layer and the inner liner and the outer liner.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 16,000 lbs. force, 7% injected steam, and at about 175° C. with adwell time of about 0.5 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenablepaper container optionally includes a plurality of openings in the innerliner and/or embossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 6

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 99 P/MSF paper substrate and an aqueous coating, an intermediate orcorrugated layer made of 7 P/MSF corrugated paper, and a flat outerliner made of a 69 P/MSF paper substrate and top coating of a sulfatedtall oil fatty acid. A starch adhesive is used between the apexes of thearches of the intermediate or corrugated layer and the inner liner andthe outer liner. The aqueous coating contains styrene-acrylic latexcopolymer (styrene:maleic anhydride copolymer, methylmethacrylate, andethylhexacrylate), calcium stearate, silicone (Silicone 175 from DowCorning), and water.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 17,000 lbs. force, 9% injected steam, and at about 180° C. with adwell time of about 0.75 seconds using a forming machine. The ovenablepaper container optionally includes a plurality of openings in the innerliner and/or embossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

Example 7

A corrugated paper composite is provided with a flat inner liner made ofa 64 P/MSF paper substrate and a PVC, PET, PBT and/or PMP coating, anintermediate or corrugated layer made of 20 P/MSF corrugated paper, anda flat outer liner made of a 26 P/MSF paper substrate and an optionalcoating. A starch adhesive is included in and/or applied to theintermediate or corrugated layer so as to form a bond between theintermediate or corrugated layer and the inner liner and the outer linerafter the forming process.

The corrugated paper composite is die cut into circles. The circularcorrugated paper composites are converted into ovenable paper containersunder 12,000-18,000 lbs. force, and at about 150°-180 C with a dwelltime of about 0.25-2 seconds using a forming machine. Steam and/or heatmay be used during the forming process. The ovenable paper containeroptionally includes a plurality of openings in the inner liner and/orembossing of the upper surface of the inner liner.

While the invention has been explained in relation to certainembodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereofwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading thespecification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventiondisclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall withinthe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container designed for use with food productsand which can be exposed to temperatures of at least about 200° F.,container, said container having a base and a container rim that atleast partially encircles said base, said container comprising an innerliner, an outer liner and a corrugated layer positioned between saidinner and outer liners; said corrugated layer is formed of a pluralityof flutes, said corrugated layer having a corrugated base portion, acorrugated rim portion and a corrugated transition region; said outerliner having an upper and a lower surface, said outer liner having aweight of at least about 10 pounds per thousand square feet, said lowersurface of said outer liner forming a bottom surface of said container,said outer liner having an outer base portion, an outer rim portion andan outer transition region; said inner liner having an upper and a lowersurface, said inner liner having a weight of at least about 20 poundsper thousand square feet, said inner liner is formed of an inner baseportion, an inner transition region and an inner rim portion; said innertransition region of said inner liner is positioned between said innerbase portion and said inner rim portion; said outer transition region ofsaid outer liner is positioned between said base portion and said rim;said corrugated transition region of said corrugated layer is positionedbetween said corrugated base portion and said corrugated rim portion;said inner rim portion of said inner liner is at least partiallyencircling said inner base portion; said outer rim portion of said outerliner is at least partially encircling said outer base portion; saidcorrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer is at least partiallyencircling said corrugated base portion; said inner base portion of saidinner liner is generally planar; said inner rim portion of said innerliner extending above said inner base portion of said inner liner; anupper surface of said inner rim portion, an upper surface of said innerbase portion and an upper surface of said inner transition region ofsaid inner liner forming said upper surface of said inner liner, saidupper surface of said inner liner is absent a seam; a majority of saidupper surface of said inner rim portion of said inner liner is at ahigher elevation than said upper surface of said inner base portion ofsaid inner liner; at least a portion of said upper surface of said innerrim portion and said inner base portion of said inner liner can engage afood product that is placed on said container; said corrugated layerhaving a weight of at least about 1 pound per thousand square feet; saidcorrugated layer is at least partially connected to at least one of saidupper surfaces of said outer liner and said lower surface of said innerliner by an adhesive; a height of a majority of said flutes of saidcorrugated layer that form said corrugated rim portion of saidcorrugated layer is less than a height of a majority of said flutes ofsaid corrugated layer in said corrugated base portion of said corrugatedlayer, a height of at least one said flutes located in said corrugatedtransition region of said corrugated layer has a height that is lessthan a height of a majority of said flutes in said corrugated baseportion of said corrugated layer, a height of said flutes in saidcorrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer varying in at least oneregion of said container rim along a longitudinal length of saidcontainer rim, said inner liner including a polymeric coating, saidpolymeric coating is present on said upper surface of said inner liner,said polymeric coating is formulated to engage a food product that isplaced on said container and to inhibit the food product from stickingto said container while the food is heated on said container.
 2. Thecontainer as defined in claim 1, wherein a height of said flutes in saidcorrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer located adjacent to saidcorrugated transition region of said corrugated layer is greater than aheight of said flutes in said corrugated rim portion of said corrugatedlayer that are located at an opposite end of said corrugated rim portionof said corrugated layer.
 3. The container as defined in claim 1,wherein said inner liner has a weight that is greater than a weight ofsaid corrugated layer.
 4. The container as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid polymeric coating has a coating weight of at least about 0.05pounds per thousand square feet, said container configured to heat orcook foods in temperatures of about 200° F.-600° F. and to resistburning.
 5. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said innerliner including a plurality of openings that fully pass through saidinner liner, a majority of said openings do not fully pass through saidouter liner, said openings are designed to allow a liquid to passthrough said openings in said inner liner and result in the liquid beingat least partially entrapped between said inner liner and said outerliner.
 6. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said uppersurface of said inner liner is embossed to allow air to circulateunderneath food positioned on said upper surface of said inner linerduring heating of the food.
 7. The container as defined in claim 1,wherein said inner rim portion of said inner liner extending upwardlyfrom said inner base portion of said inner liner at an angle of at leastabout 25°.
 8. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said innerliner has a weight of about 50 to about 100 pounds per thousand squarefeet, said outer liner has a weight of about 10 to about 70 pounds perthousand square feet, said corrugated layer has a weight of about 10 toabout 70 pounds per thousand square feet.
 9. The container as defined inclaim 1, wherein said inner liner, said outer liner and said corrugatedlayer are formed of a material selected from the group consisting ofpaper and paper board.
 10. A container designed for use with foodproducts, said container having a base and a container rim that at leastpartially encircles said base, said container comprising an inner liner,an outer liner and a corrugated layer positioned between said inner andouter liners; said corrugated layer is formed of a plurality of flutes,said corrugated layer having a corrugated base portion, a corrugated rimportion and a corrugated transition region; said outer liner having anupper and a lower surface, said lower surface of said outer linerforming a bottom surface of said container, said outer liner having anouter base portion, an outer rim portion and an outer transition region;said inner liner having an upper and a lower surface, said inner lineris formed of an inner base portion, an inner transition region and aninner rim portion; said inner transition region of said inner liner ispositioned between said inner base portion and said inner rim portion;said outer transition region of said outer liner is positioned betweensaid outer base portion and said outer rim portion; said corrugatedtransition region of said corrugated layer is positioned between saidcorrugated base portion and said corrugated rim portion; said inner rimportion of said inner liner is at least partially encircling said innerbase portion; said outer rim portion of said outer liner is at leastpartially encircling said outer base portion; said corrugated rimportion of said corrugated layer is at least partially encircling saidcorrugated base portion; said inner base portion of said inner liner isgenerally planar; said inner rim portion of said inner liner extendingabove said inner base portion of said inner liner; an upper surface ofsaid inner rim portion, an upper surface of said inner base portion andan upper surface of said inner transition region of said inner linerforming said upper surface of said inner liner, said upper surface ofsaid inner liner is absent a seam; a majority of said upper surface ofsaid inner rim of said inner liner is at a higher elevation than saidupper surface of said inner base portion of said inner liner; at least aportion of said upper surface of said inner rim portion and said innerbase portion of said inner liner can engage a food product that isplaced on said container; said corrugated layer is at least partiallyconnected to at least one of said upper surfaces of said outer liner andsaid lower surface of said inner liner by an adhesive; a height of aplurality of said flutes of said corrugated layer that form saidcorrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer is less than a height ofa majority of said flutes of said corrugated layer in said corrugatedbase portion of said corrugated layer, a height of at least one of saidflutes located in said corrugated transition region of said corrugatedlayer has a height that is less than a height of a majority of saidflutes in said corrugated base portion of said corrugated layer, aheight of said flutes in said corrugated rim portion of said corrugatedlayer varying in at least one region of said container rim along alongitudinal length of said container rim, said inner liner including apolymeric coating, said polymeric coating is present on said uppersurface of said inner liner, said polymeric coating is formulated toengage a food product that is placed on said container and to inhibitthe food product from sticking to said container while the food isheated on said container.
 11. The container as defined in claim 10,wherein a height of said flutes in said corrugated rim portion of saidcorrugated layer located adjacent to said corrugated transition regionof said corrugated layer is greater than a height of said flutes in saidcorrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer that are located at anopposite end of said corrugated rim portion of said corrugated layer.12. The container as defined in claim 10, wherein said inner liner has aweight that is greater than a weight of said corrugated layer.
 13. Thecontainer as defined in claim 10, wherein said polymeric coating has acoating weight of at least about 0.05 pounds per thousand square feet,said container configured to heat or cook foods in temperatures of about200° F.-600° F. and to resist burning.
 14. The container as defined inclaim 10, wherein said inner liner including a plurality of openingsthat fully pass through said inner liner, a majority of said openings donot fully pass through said outer liner, said openings are designed toallow a liquid to pass through said openings in said inner liner andresult in the liquid being at least partially entrapped between saidinner liner and said outer liner.
 15. The container as defined in claim10, wherein said upper surface of said inner liner is embossed to allowair to circulate underneath food positioned on said upper surface ofsaid inner liner during heating of the food.
 16. The container asdefined in claim 10, wherein said inner rim portion of said inner linerextending upwardly from said inner base portion of said inner liner atan angle of at least about 25°.
 17. The container as defined in claim10, wherein said inner liner has a weight of about 50 to about 100pounds per thousand square feet, said outer liner has a weight of about10 to about 70 pounds per thousand square feet, said corrugated layerhas a weight of about 10 to about 70 pounds per thousand square feet.18. The container as defined in claim 10, wherein said inner liner, saidouter liner and said corrugated layer are formed of a material selectedfrom the group consisting of paper and paper board.
 19. A containerhaving a base and a rim that at least partially encircles said base,said container comprising an inner liner, an outer liner and acorrugated layer that is positioned between said inner and outer liners;said corrugated layer formed of a plurality of flutes, said corrugatedlayer having a corrugated base portion, a corrugated rim portion and acorrugated transition region; said inner and outer liners are formed ofa non-corrugated substrate; said outer liner having an upper and lowersurface, said lower surface of said outer liner forming a bottom surfaceof said container, said outer liner having an outer base portion, anouter rim portion and an outer transition region; said inner linerhaving a lower surface, said inner liner is formed of an inner baseportion, an inner rim portion and an inner transition region; said innerrim portion at least partially encircling said inner base portion, saidinner rim portion extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of saidinner base portion, said inner transition region positioned between saidinner base portion and said inner rim portion; an upper surface of saidinner rim portion and an upper surface of said inner base portion and anupper surface of said inner transition region are absent a seam; amajority of said upper surface of said inner rim portion at a higherelevation than said upper surface of said inner base portion; said uppersurface of said inner base portion is configured to engage a foodproduct that is placed on said container; said corrugated layer at leastpartially connected to at least one of said upper surface of said outerliner and said lower surface of said inner liner; a height of a majorityof said flutes located in said corrugated rim portion is less than aheight of a majority of said flutes in said corrugated base portion, aheight of a majority of said flutes located in said corrugated rimportion is less than a height of at least one flute in said corrugatedtransition region, said at least one flute in said corrugated transitionregion has a height that is less than a height of a majority of saidflutes in said corrugated base portion, said inner liner including apolymeric coating, said polymeric coating is present on said uppersurface of said inner liner, said polymeric coating is formulated toengage a food product that is placed on said container and to inhibitthe food product from sticking to said container while the food isheated on said container.
 20. The container as defined in claim 19,wherein said inner liner has a different weight than at least one ofsaid corrugated layer and said outer liner.
 21. The container as definedin claim 19, wherein said polymeric coating has a coating weight of atleast about 0.05 pounds per thousand square feet, said containerconfigured to heat or cook foods in temperatures of about 200° F.-600°F. and to resist burning.
 22. The container as defined in claim 20,wherein said polymeric coating has a coating weight of at least about0.05 pounds per thousand square feet, said container configured to heator cook foods in temperatures of about 200° F.-600° F. and to resistburning.